Art and mindfulness have a deep connection.
We all are surrounded by gadgets and tech devices all the time, and they extract every ounce of our energy throughout the day. And we are left with only exhaustion and tiredness at the end.
Therefore, you should practice mindfulness art activities to relax yourself and be more conscious of your own self.
Some time away from the gadgets in gardens, painting your favorite sceneries, and doodling gives you a dopamine rush and relieves stress. In fact, dedicated Mindfulness-based Art Therapy (MBAT) effectively reduces the symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Even meditation for anxiety can be a powerful extension of MBAT, leading to enhanced serenity and mental precision.
Top 10 Mindfulness Art Activities to Try
These are the top 10 activities that you should try to experience the magic of art in achieving mindfulness.
1. Have Fun With Splatter Art
Splatter art does not follow the traditional rules of painting. therefore kids love it as splatter art is all about creative freedom and messy fun so it stands out as a top favorite among kids’ art activities. The process is fun because you do not have to worry about the final painting. It is an expressive and inspirational activity. You might get new ideas while splashing random paints on the card sheet.
2. Doodle Your Stress Away
Remember when you used to draw random flowers, patterns, and circles in your textbook when bored? Well, it is a great way to relieve anxiety and stress. The repetitive patterns of doodle art synchronize your hand with the mind and relax your body. Doodling can help to keep your racing mind calm and hence, it can be considered a good form of meditation, boosting focus and creativity, and kicking boredom to the curb in class.
3. Make Flextangles
These paper toys do not only look mesmerizing but also calm anxiety as well. It is a fun weekend activity you can play with your family and kids. Take a few deep breaths while rotating the flextangle and focus on the changing patterns.
4. Draw Your Breath
It helps you sync your mind, body, and breath. Start by taking a sheet of paper and drawing lines as you breathe. Pause at inhale and draw at exhale. Or draw one breath with one line, starting from inhale to exhale. There are no correct or wrong ways to draw it. Just notice how you breathe when you are more focused on drawing it.
5. DIY Glitter Jar To Calm Down
As much as it is visually appealing, it feels soothing to watch. When you shake the mason jar filled with bright-colored glitter and watch them all getting settled down, it feels therapeutic. It helps you navigate your feelings and get detached from the trigger for a moment.
6. Create Intricate Zentangle Art
If you love to create intricate and delicate art with a lot of detailing, you can grab a piece of paper and pen to create zentangle art. It is commonly drawn in black and white. And there is a balanced use of negative and positive space in this art technique. With several lines, curves, dots, and shades, you can either create a specific object or just an aesthetic abstract design.
7. Mindfulness coloring
Mindfulness coloring is the most underrated way adults reduce their anxiety and stress. In fact, adult coloring books can have the most profound effects on mental health.
In this technique, you experience your attention in the present moment as you are coloring the pre-designed pattern. It can be a therapeutic and meditative activity to do after a stressful day at work.
8. Mandala Art
Mandala art is the most effective mindfulness activity and is comparatively famous among people. Since it is an abstract design (but somewhat complex), you don’t need any skills to draw that. You can either draw your own Mandala art or get a book with printed patterns and color them.
When doing mandala art, your senses relax, and you feel relief from anxiety and stress. Since it calms the nerves and promotes mindfulness, you get clarity of thoughts, which eventually helps you get a good core sleep at night.
9. Mindful Nature Photography
Mindful nature photography isn’t just about getting that perfect shot for the Instagram reels—it’s about being in the moment and soaking up the beauty around you. Even if you don’t have fancy DSLRs, you can still get incredible nature photos without stressing yourself out.
Don’t have any parks or grounds in your neighborhood? You can do this activity on the outdoor lawn of your house.
Just breathe in and relax your muscles. Notice the sounds, smells, and even the feel of the air around you. Capture small things like dewdrops on grass or the texture of a leaf. Doing this will not only enhance your observation but also give you a sense of appreciation and happiness.
10. Nature Paintings on Canvas
No matter how much tech evolves, the romance of hand painting on canvas will never fade. Painting nature is, in particular, a sweet escape from the daily, boring routine. You’re not just splashing some colors on a canvas; you’re zoning out, getting lost in the moment, and relieving your anxiety.
You can paint a nature scene that speaks to you—maybe a forest, a beach, a pond, or even a mountain range—something that makes you feel zen just looking at it.
To Summarize:
There are endless mindfulness art activities you can try at your home. These activities can effectively help you manage your feelings and thoughts when overwhelmed. Art therapy is the most fascinating way to focus on the present moment and destress your mind while having fun.
