Finding Balance: The Power of Yoga, Art, and Mental Health

By Niamh Dickson

World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10th each year, serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing our mental well-being. While traditional talk therapy often comes to mind, there are many alternative avenues to nurture our minds and bodies Yoga and art, in particular, offer unique and powerful approaches to healing and self-discovery. Let’s take a look at how these two practices can enable you to tap into your well-being in honor of Mental Health Day! ama, is one of the components of yoga that has intrigued me few years. Pranayama fosters a deep somatic connection that ur organs while creating clarity in our minds If you would like to nt that is beneficial for your wellbeing, I recommend that you athwork class. Although you may feel a little uncomfortable at learn how to connect with your breath and body in a deep way ke note of if anything has shifted. You may not see a change develop a continuous practice, you can build skills in internal n access external strength that you didn't even know you havethe breath!

Yoga, a mind-body practice rooted in Hindi philosophy, offers a holistic approach to mental health Through physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, yoga nervous system, reduce stress, and improve our overall wellow of movement can be both invigorating and calming, which e balanced and grounded.

Art therapy is another valuable tool, which allows individuals to express emotions and thoughts through creative expression. Whether it's through painting, drawing, sculpting, or writing, art can serve as a nonverbal form of communication By exploring colors, shapes, and textures, individuals can uncover hidden feelings, process trauma, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

Here is an example of an art therapy activity that you can try on one of those days when you are feeling a bit stuck:

Write a list of any words that come to mind (complete this first step in a 1–2minute time frame).

Use colored markers to color each of the words on your list in a different color.

Take a black marker and draw lines all over the page. You can overlap and move the marker back and forth so that it extends throughout the entire page.

Take a marker that you used to color in one of your words, and start filling in areas on the page, thinking about that word as you color. The bigger the emotion that you have around that word, the more that color should fill up the page.

Keep coloring in your scribble, using the markers that represent the various words that you listed, until you feel finished.

Ask yourself these questions when you aredone:

Whatcameupthatwassurprising?

Whatbecameclear?

WhatcanIleave?

WhatdoIneedtoworkon?

Pictured:Anexampleofthearttherapyactivitythatisdescribedabove

The beauty of yoga and art lies in their ability to address mental health challenges in a nonlinear and experiential way. Unlike talk therapy, which focuses on verbal communication, these practices engage the body and mind simultaneously. This mode of expression can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to articulate their emotions or experiences. While these alternative approaches can be immensely helpful, it's important to recognize that they may not be suitable for everyone Some individuals may require professional guidance and support from a mental health provider. If you're struggling with your mental health, seek help from a qualified therapist.

In conclusion, World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to explore different avenues for self-care Whether it's through yoga, art, or a combination of both, prioritizing your mental health is essential for overall well-being. By incorporating these practices into your life, you can cultivate a sense of balance, resilience, and inner peace I hope that these suggestions are helpful and something you will try!

AboutNiamh:

My name is Niamh Dickson I am a Canadian expat living in Bangkok, Thailand I have been living overseas for 11 years I have worked as a counselor for 11 years and became an Art Therapist in 2020 I enjoy using art as a tool to help clients process their experiences without relying solely on words. Additionally, I completed my 200 Hour and 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings with the MLP. I have been practicing yoga since the early 2000s, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga became an essential part of my well-being journey, prompting me to seek further learning. My experience learning from Alex was beautiful and has had a profound impact on my life.