Life Values and Activities

When feeling anxious or depressed due to life issues, physical, or mental illness, we often lose motivation and stop engaging in activities that once brought us happiness. However, during times of emotional overwhelm or hopelessness, it’s crucial to identify activities that can reignite a sense of excitement and vitality. On this page, you'll find various methods that might help you express your emotions and reconnect with yourself.

Personally, I find refuge in art and use it as therapy. Why? Because art allows me to express emotions and thoughts that can be difficult to verbalize, fostering a deeper connection with my inner self and conflicts. Art therapy encourages creativity, self-discovery, and emotional release, which can be especially beneficial for individuals facing complex mental or physical health challenges. It helps reduce stress, enhances emotional regulation, and promotes healing by creating a safe, non-judgmental space for self-expression. This approach aligns with my belief in the power of creative expression to foster growth and connection, particularly for neurodivergent individuals and those navigating emotional challenges.

Who might benefit from art therapy?
Art therapy is especially useful for individuals who struggle to articulate complex feelings. It is particularly effective for those dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and trauma. By offering a non-verbal outlet for emotions, art therapy promotes self-expression and self-awareness.

Engaging in creative activities not only helps reduce stress, but it also improves mood and enhances coping skills. Art therapy can promote mindfulness, build emotional resilience, and foster a sense of control and empowerment.

What other activities can you do to feel better?

• Painting: Visit The Art Sherpa for FREE resources and excellent painting techniques offered by the talented and caring artist Ms. Cinnamon Cooney.

• Walking: Take a walk in the park or around your neighborhood.

• Exercise/Work Out Regularly: You can do this at home with FREE interactive videos on YouTube or Pinterest, at a gym, or with a trainer in special classes like Pilates.

• Dance: FREE dance tutorials and lessons are available on YouTube.

• Sing

• Cooking: Try new recipes or watch videos on YouTube. You can also find cooking workshops at discounted rates on Groupon.

• Writing: Whether it's poetry, journaling, or short stories, writing can be a great outlet.

• Socializing: Spend time and do activities with friends or loved ones.

• Meditation: YouTube offers great meditation videos to help you relax or fall asleep.

• Listen to a Podcast: Spotify has a wide selection of stories and podcasts for FREE, or you can upgrade to premium to avoid ads.

• Reading

• Drawing

• Interacting with Animals: Animals are truly our best friends!

• Gardening

• Playing an Instrument: There are many apps, like Simply Piano and Simply Guitar, that can teach you how to play instruments. While these apps aren’t free, they are often more affordable than private lessons (around $90 per year).

• Going to Church: If you’re spiritual, attending church can provide peace and comfort.

• Cleaning: Surprisingly, many people find cleaning relaxing and rewarding, especially with the sense of accomplishment afterward.

• Engage in Meaningful Activities: Choose any activity that brings you joy and fulfillment.

Try to identify at least three activities that cheer you up and help release pressure and negative feelings.

Important: While these activities aid in your healing, they often don’t allow you to fully express your emotions.

Self-care also includes therapy and/or a strong support system to help you verbalize what you’re feeling.