As the pandemic is nowhere to stop. Some of us sit back and remember our art classes. How it gave us a possibility to be pint-sized Picassos with paint or Michelangelos with elbow macaroni. Generally, we did not let our egos or skillsets get in the way.
Other than that, we rolled up our sleeves, unleashed our creativity, activities and beamed with pride when we represent our “masterpieces” to loved ones. We were many more than happy to make things for the most special people in our lives back then.
Through our arts, creativity, and crafts, we could show them just how much they meant to us in our own unique and different methods.
In a moment when we can’t see friends and family as well as we used to, some people will probably be struggling to search for the best ways to stay connected and show our chef-d’oeuvres that they yet mean the world to us.
It is true that the video chats, virtual dance parties, and game nights were fun at the beginning. But with the with time , high-tech communication solutions may have started to lose their lustre.
So the thing is, how can we reconnect with our beloved ones in the best ways, nourish our minds and build our spirits? It’s all dependent on art.
How The Pandemic Has Changed our Mental Health
According to the CDC, the pandemic has caused most of the mental health challenges. Many of us have been affected by illness, sickness, and death of a loved one caused by the disease, physical distancing, and even stay-at-home orders.
A recent survey by the CDC mostly revealed that anxiety disorder and depressive disorder raised that considerably. Of those who cooperated in the survey, 41% reported at least one mental or behavioral health condition — anxiety, depression, trauma-and, stressor-related disorder or whether it raises substance abuse.
Most survey participants even said they think about suicide in the one month before recording their responses.
After experiencing so much loss, it is not too difficult to get stuck in a loop of stress and despair. It is also understandable that if you more feel lonely than usual or have a greater need to remain isolated.
Maintaing personal connections is one of the most important things that we can manage,and the people we love can help us get that good thing remains to exist in the world.
How Can Art Help During a Mental Crisis as the global pandemic continues?
As an art therapist, Tammy Shella has discussed how creativity can remove stress and help people process the heaviness they are dealing with. However, your stick figures or crocheted toilet paper that usually covers will not win you any awards or designing them, and they can help nurture your internal artist and help you find some peace.
However, We all create. It is a natural form of expression, and expressing ourselves visually is human nature. Occasionally, it is difficult for us to say things because our brain’s verbal side and the visual side of our brain are two different ways.
Bottom Line:
Whenever you are creating art, a craft, writing in a journal, singing, or making a card, you are getting into what is called a ‘current state.’ Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the identity of the cofounders of confident psychology, explains flow state as a period of optimal attention. During this time zone, you are in the area and entirely focused on the task at hand.
Another advantage of tapping into our creativity is that we can use it to develop new methods to connect with the people who are important to us.
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