Nurture your well-being with these 5 quick and accessible art as therapy activities for teachers.
Teaching is a profession that demands our energy, dedication, and passion. Amidst the daily challenges and responsibilities, it's essential to prioritize our own well-being and find moments of stillness and calm. Art as therapy offers a powerful outlet for self-expression and rejuvenation. In this blog post, we will explore five achievable and accessible art activities that can seamlessly integrate into your busy schedule. These creative practices are not only beneficial for your students but also serve as a vital form of self-care for yourself. Let's dive into the world of art and discover the profound benefits it can bring to your life.
Opportunities for Implementation: In addition to incorporating art as therapy into your daily routine, there are opportune moments when these activities can be especially beneficial, serving as valuable tools to address common pain points that are all too familiar to teachers:
During Moments of Stress or Panic: When a student is experiencing a panic attack or heightened stress, taking a few minutes to engage in an art activity can provide a much-needed reprieve. These creative practices can help redirect focus, promote relaxation, and offer a sense of grounding for both the student and yourself. It allows you to create a calm and safe environment, fostering emotional well-being and helping everyone reset.
When Plans Go Awry: We all know that feeling when the day doesn't go according to plan. Instead of getting overwhelmed, embrace the opportunity to introduce an art as therapy activity. It serves as a welcome shift in the routine, allowing you and your students to regroup, find renewed inspiration, and create something beautiful amidst the unexpected. These moments of creative expression can help foster adaptability and resilience.
Resetting a Rowdy Class: Managing a rowdy class can be challenging and draining. When you sense the need to recalibrate and regain focus, introduce an art activity that captures their attention and redirects their energy. Engaging in a collaborative or individual artistic endeavor can create a positive shift in the classroom atmosphere, promoting teamwork, self-expression, and a sense of calm. It becomes an opportunity to channel their energy into a constructive and creative outlet.
Dealing with Teacher Burnout: As teachers, we are not immune to burnout. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally drained, these art as therapy activities become powerful tools for self-care. Take a moment to step away from the pressures of the classroom and immerse yourself in the healing power of art. These brief creative interludes provide an avenue for self-expression, introspection, and rejuvenation, allowing you to replenish your energy and find solace within your own creative process.
Art as Therapy Activities:
Now, let's explore five achievable and accessible art as therapy activities that can easily fit into your day, even during the busiest moments:
1) Mindful Patterns:
Grab a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper. Create repetitive patterns, focusing on the sensation of your hand gliding on the paper. Embrace the soothing power of mindful patterns to find your stillness.
2) Quick Watercolour Wash:
With watercolour paints or pencils, a brush, and a small cup of water, create a swift wash of colour on a blank sheet of paper. Witness the magic of blending and merging hues, as the colours flow freely on the page.
3) Found Object Printing:
Use small objects like leaves, bottle caps, or erasers as stamps. Dip them into paint and create unique patterns on a sheet of paper. Embrace the joy of experimentation and artistic discovery.
4) Expressive Scribble:
Grab a sheet of paper and coloured markers or pencils. Allow your hand to freely scribble on the page without constraints. Fill the space with colours, patterns, or shading, embracing this liberating act of self-expression. Feel the weight of stress lifting off your shoulders as you unleash your emotions onto the paper.
5) Sensory Texture Rubbing:
Engage your senses and find solace in the tactile experience of texture rubbing. Gather textured objects like coins, fabric, or tree bark. Place a sheet of paper on top of an object and gently rub a pencil or crayon over it, capturing the intricate textures on the page. Immerse yourself in this sensory journey, grounding yourself in the present moment and allowing your creativity to flourish.
Incorporating art as therapy into your daily routine can be transformative, nurturing both your well-being and that of your students.
These quick and accessible art activities provide an escape from the demands of teaching and offer moments of self-care and creative rejuvenation. Art has the power to unlock hidden emotions, reduce stress, and ignite passion within us.
By engaging in mindful patterns, vibrant watercolour washes, found object printing, expressive scribbles, and sensory texture rubbings, you can tap into the therapeutic benefits of art and experience a renewed sense of calm, focus, and inspiration. These artful moments become a sanctuary where you can rejuvenate your spirit, recharge your energy, and reconnect with the joy of creation.
In addition to integrating these activities into your daily routine, seize the opportunities to implement them during moments of stress or panic, when plans go awry, when resetting a rowdy class, or when dealing with teacher burnout. Art becomes a powerful tool to address common pain points, offering a path towards growth, resilience, and well-being.
Remember, you deserve moments of stillness, creativity, and self-discovery. Embrace the canvas of your own imagination and let the colours of art infuse your life with joy, calm, and inspiration. You are not just a teacher; you are an artist of change and growth. Prioritize yourself, dear teacher, and let the artful journey begin.