If you aren’t already using art as a means of healing, take time this holiday season to explore how setting aside time to create can be transformative for your mental health.
The holidays can be stressful, no matter who you celebrate with. It’s often a whirlwind of events during a hectic time of the year. Dedicating time to creating art can be incredibly effective for protecting your peace among the chaos and continuing your journey toward healing.
Meanwhile, if you already use creative time as self-care, consider how you can share an art practice with others you celebrate with this time of year. Creating together can be a great way to connect with family and friends and share the joy you’ve found in creating art.
Best Practices for Connecting Successfully
As you consider sharing healing through art this holiday season, you’ll want to keep a few best practices in mind. Think about what you hope to get from the experience and what you’re willing to sacrifice. At family events, we often bend until we break. While you may feel a strong desire to ensure everyone has the best experience possible, you’ll need to accept that you can’t control what others get out of creating art.
Consider Everyone’s Ability Levels
You can set yourself and your group up for success by considering people’s ability levels ahead of time. Think about what your group can handle skill-wise and how you can create a safe environment where everyone feels cared for.
Design the Environment Thoughtfully
Especially if you have individuals on the spectrum or who have sensory issues, be aware of how you can design the environment to be as welcoming as possible. Consider setting an acceptable noise level to ensure everyone feels safe and grounded without getting overwhelmed.
Tailor Noise Levels to Your Group
While creating, you can talk and share your experiences, or stay quiet and listen to your thoughts. Talk to others in your group when you’re getting started to figure out what they feel most comfortable with. Even if you choose to stay quiet while creating, you may enjoy taking turns sharing what you gained from the experience when you finish.
Activities to Bring to the Holidays
The best activity to bring to your holiday celebration should align with your interests and your group’s ability levels. Here are 5 art kits that you can purchase for a guided therapeutic art experience for yourself and others this holiday season.
1. Affirmation Deck Kit
If you use affirmations in your daily life or are hoping to start, the Affirmation Deck Kit is the perfect activity to bring to the holidays. Use this kit as an opening to discuss how you affirm yourself during difficult times and the benefits of incorporating affirmations into your daily life.
Time Needed: 1 hour +
Skill Level: 8 years old +
2. Build Your Own Superhero Kit Series
Find calm in creating by creating your super self! Our Build Your Own Superhero Kit cultivates concepts from various therapeutic theories. Focusing on positive self-talk, building community, and supporting the needs of others. This activity is a great way to spark creativity across multiple age groups and reduce screen time!
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Skill Level: 4 years old +
3. Good Intention Shakers
Use the Good Intention Shakers kit to set a good intention and keep it with you. Manifest positivity daily by placing the shaker in an area where you can see it and recite it. Talk about the power of setting good intentions, and share your intentions for the new year with each other.
Time Needed: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Skill Level: 8 years old +
4. Jar of Positivity Kit
As the days get shorter, it can be hard to keep up positive spirits. The Jar of Positivity kit is perfect for filling yourself up with positive feelings, words, and thoughts. You can discuss what positive notes you’re adding to your jars, or consider creating jars for each other.
Time Needed: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Skill Level: 8 years old +
5. Sensory Jar Kit
The Sensory Jar Kit is a fun interactive way to make a calming jar or to set an intention. After making your jars, shake them and watch the contents resettle as you regulate your breathing. This is a great activity to talk about emotional regulation and share additional ideas for finding calm.
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Skill Level: 5 years old +
Celebrate a Healthy & Healing Holiday Season
Whether you choose to share your art practices with friends and family or use it as an escape from the chaotic season, creating is an incredible way to find your inner peace. As we continue our first annual Holiday of Health and Healing, we’ll explore additional ways to create space for healing during the holidays along with activities you can complete together or alone.
Brush Box was founded to support healing through art. We believe everyone is creative and taking time to channel that creativity can be transformative. Shop all of our kits on our website or reach out if you’re interested in a facilitated event.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive deals and find out about our latest drops and upcoming events. You won’t want to miss our official Holiday of Health and Healing event, happening in January in Milwaukee, WI
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