2 minute read
The Draw: Seven Creative Outlets to Lean On
BY DEON C. JEFFERSON DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA
Self-care has been a big focus in America due to the pandemic. To remain safe and healthy, people are leaning more on the arts. Here are seven ways to use the arts to practice self-care.
Pick anything that matches your mood, is nostalgic, or makes you laugh. There are several streaming sites available for your viewing. I recommend “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson.
DO SOME KARAOKE
You don’t have to be a professional singer to make a “joyful noise.” According to a 2018 study by the “Sing Your Heart Out Project” in the UK, singing can improve your mental health, change your mood and sense of well-being. Perform karaoke at home and record a TikTok video. Do you love taking pics but only do so for occasions, events, or holidays? Trade your pandemic uniform of oversized t-shirts, sweats, and house shoes, and put on an outfit that reflects your vibrant and infectious personality. Find a local photographer, pick a theme, and go.
PAINT FOR FUN
Keep in mind; you are not painting for the masses. When you sit down to paint, you should remember that painting is for fun and that you are using it as a release. Paint as if no one is watching. Forget about technique; let the colors and brush inspire you. Try a “paint-and-sip.”
MAKE A COLLAGE
Mood boards are good projects to do when it comes to finding “inspo.” You can use a mood board to create positive affirmations for yourself. Hang it in a spot where you can often see it as a quick pick-me-up when things are hectic. Or use it as cool wall decor for the home.
VISIT A GALLERY
Galleries allow you space to enter the artist’s world, create your interpretations, and take a curated journey. According to the creator, visual artist, and psychologist Dorian Schwartz of @ letstaketime, “By practicing this type of creative thinking, we learn better ways to come up with our own unique solutions to difficult problems, a key skill required for better mental health.”
There are several other ways to include art in your self-care. Get creative! Share your journey.
READ A BOOK
One book I read recently about self-care was “Checking In” by former Destiny’s Child member and Grammy Award Winner Michelle Williams. The book dives into what happens when you fail to check in with yourself and others.
The Draw is a space for creatives to share their art, poetry, spoken word, etc. and/or how their art helps themselves and others. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Draw” in the subject line.
