What are the benefits of using creative activities for positive interventions?

Imagine positive interventions as the seeds we plant in the garden of our minds, each blossom representing a moment of joy, gratitude, or kindness. They are the tools that allow us to sculpt our own narratives, emphasizing the facets of life that truly matter – the pursuit of meaning, the embrace of purpose, the dance of engagement, and the nurturing of positive relationships.

Positive intervention is the 'Prevention is better than cure' answer to mental health. By deliberately turning our focus to uplifting, happiness enhancing activities, we strengthen our resolve and commitment towards well being.

Positive psychology explores the intricate interplay between positive emotions, behaviors, and mental states, unraveling the mechanisms that underpin human flourishing. By delving into the essence of meaning, purpose, engagement, and positive relationships, positive psychology illuminates how these facets contribute to holistic well-being and fulfillment. Moreover, it offers invaluable insights into the fundamental nature of human consciousness, shedding light on how cultivating positivity can elevate consciousness and enrich the human experience. In essence, positive psychology not only explores the ingredients of a fulfilling life but also unveils their profound implications for the evolution of human consciousness.

Create opportunities for team members to build and strengthen positive relationships through team-building activities, mentoring programs, or collaborative projects.

Participating in a musical ensemble is one of the best forms of positive intervention we have. Whether this be singing in a community choir, playing in a concert band, orchestra or rock band with friends. These activities join us together in a social group and allow the freedom of our minds from the stress of daily life. One new form of ensemble that has been growing in popularity over the last few years has been the Drum Circle. Research is showing that Drum Circles are an effective tool bringing about changes in physical, emotional, mental health and wellbeing. When we drum, we focus on being 'in the moment' and allows a mental break from current stress.

Encourage brainstorming sessions, group art projects, or collaborative writing exercises. These activities not only enhance social connections but also promote a sense of community and shared purpose.

Drama therapist Sally Bailey states, "... arts may provide stronger channels for self-expression ... than non-artistic media. For example, someone who has difficulty expressing herself in words because of a speech disorder or a learning disability may be able to express herself through pantomime or dance."

Creative activities are used for positive interventions because they engage participants, provide a platform for self-expression, reduce stress, promote mindfulness, aid emotional regulation, offer positive reinforcement, and foster connection.

Creativity opens new mental pathways. Often people don't believe that creativity is expected. They default to rote and boring outputs. If you let people know creativity is expected, it leads them to open their minds.

A criatividade, na perspectiva da psicologia positiva, é vista como uma força pessoal fundamental para o bem-estar. Ela nos permite encontrar soluções inovadoras para problemas, adaptando-nos a novas situações e desenvolvendo resiliência. Ao estimular a criatividade, a psicologia positiva busca promover o florescimento humano, incentivando a expressão de ideias originais e a busca por novas experiências. A criatividade também está ligada à felicidade e à satisfação com a vida, pois nos permite encontrar significado e propósito em nossas experiências.

Atividades que envolvam a criatividade são muito efetivas na promoção do pilar engajamento da felicidade segundo a psicologia positiva. Essas atividades trazem o indivíduo de maneira leve e lúdica para o presente, relaxando a mente dos pensamentos recorrentes ou acelerados sobre passado e futuro.

Look for small, everyday opportunities to incorporate creative activities. This could be as simple as doodling during breaks, taking a few minutes to journal each morning, or engaging in a quick brainstorming session with your team.

When you follow creative pursuits of your liking with complete attention, it gives a release to general inertia. Further, it propels the "feel good" energy which in itself is a rewarding experience of the process.

Engaging in creative activities is a powerful positive intervention. Start by embracing curiosity—explore new realms that spark your interest. Intertwine mindfulness into your creative process, focusing on the present moment. Celebrate progress over perfection, fostering a positive mindset. Choose a supportive space that nurtures creativity. Collaborate with others to enhance the experience and build connections. Unplug during creative sessions for deeper immersion. Grant yourself expressive freedom, letting go of judgment. Incorporate gratitude journaling to appreciate the impact of your creativity. Experiment with themed sessions to keep it dynamic. In essence, let creativity be a source of joy, growth, and well-being in your life.

Through artistic expression, innovative problem-solving, or simply exploring new avenues of thought, creativity empowers individuals to look beyond their immediate struggles and cultivate a sense of possibility and optimism. In the realm of creativity, there are no limitations—only boundless potential waiting to be tapped. By channeling their creative energies, individuals can chart a course toward fulfillment, shaping their own destiny, and discovering meaning amidst adversity. Whether through the stroke of a brush, the melody of a song, or the invention of a groundbreaking idea, creativity offers a glimpse of the transformative power that lies within each of us.

Creativity could also mean doing things in a different fashion than otherwise. Moving beyond the typical way of being and doing is also an act of creativity.

For positive interventions, get creative. Start with drawing or painting - let your gratitude, hopes, or values splash onto the canvas. Write a letter of appreciation or encouragement, either to yourself or someone else. Music your thing? Sing or play tunes that lift your spirits. Dance like nobody's watching, channeling your emotions and energy. Finally, compile a collage or vision board flaunting your wins, dreams, and passions. It's all about channeling positivity through creativity.

One of the most impactful creative activity that worked for me was imagining my safe space. I describe what my safe space looks like, what I hear, how it smells, how it feels. Over the years, I have added character and details to my safe space. Whenever I am trying to relax, the minute I close my eyes, I can transport myself to my safe space. More artistic people, can draw or paint their safe space, fill their space will the music they make or create a collage of pictures that represent their particular safe space.

In 2017, I wrote a book, "Draw Yourself Happy" published by Hatchette. Its premise? Art can help you banish depression, the Black dog, the darkness. The latest neuroscience shows that drawing, painting, singing, dance, indeed all the art forms can help ease depression. It's not a magic pill but sometimes it can be better than a real one!

My 23 years as an Art Therapist has taught me a lot about how to use art in interventions. Here are some Art Therapy techniques for Positive Interventions: 1) Mandala Creation: Engage in mandala coloring or drawing to center your mind and promote relaxation. 2) Emotion-Focused Art: Express emotions through art, allowing colors, shapes, and textures to convey feelings that words cannot articulate. This process facilitates emotional release and self-awareness, diminishing the impact of stressors. 3) Art Journaling: Utilize art journaling as a reflective practice to document thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Incorporate positive affirmations and gratitude expressions to cultivate optimism and resilience in the face of adversity.

We're at a time when somatic therapies are extremely popular as people have started to understand the mind body relationship. Creative activities like art, dancing, drama, music can be a great way to express bodily of what lies in the mind. It can be truly cathartic as emotions are that released are emotions that are processed.

Muchas veces a los pacientes se les dificulta expresar realmente con palabras lo que sienten o piensan. Utilizar intervenciones artísticas, musicales, o manuales les pueden ayudar a descargar o integrar eso que no han podido expresar durante la conversación terapéutica. Asimismo, el uso de metáforas y cuentos es una herramienta importante para lograr insight de una manera indirecta y crear un cambio desde el inconsciente.

Humans have an intrinsic need to create. We used to build our shelters, hunt our own food, make our own clothes. With modern conveniences we have lost the opportunity to be creative as much, which leave us longing for creativity, though this may be an unconscious need. By giving ourselves the time to be still and inward and reflect on artmaking whether it be drawing, painting, movement, sculpture, etc, we satisfy an inherent human need that many have been disconnected from.

Using creative activities for positive interventions offers several benefits. They can increase positive emotions and reduce negative ones, improving overall mood, health, and performance. Creative expression enhances self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-efficacy, while building resilience in the face of challenges. These activities also help you develop character strengths, unlock potential, and clarify your sense of purpose. Additionally, they foster social connections, offering a sense of belonging and mutual support, which is vital for emotional well-being.

Enhanced Emotional Expression: Creative activities provide a safe way to express difficult emotions that might be hard to verbalize. Reduced Stress: Engaging in creative work can reduce cortisol levels and improve relaxation. Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence: Completing creative projects fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Improved Problem-Solving and Flexibility: Creativity encourages flexible thinking, which helps in overcoming challenges in various areas of life. Strengthened Social Connections: Group creative activities can build camaraderie and shared experiences, fostering deeper social bonds.

Here’s What Else to Consider: While using creative activities, it's important to allow for freedom of expression without judgment. Tailor the activities to the individuals' needs and preferences, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported. Remember, the goal is growth and well-being, so encourage consistent engagement for long-term benefits.

Get clear on why you are doing a particular positive intervention. For example, if you have committed to yourself to write a daily gratitude journal, get grounded on your reason for doing so. There is no right or wrong reason. The reason will keep you focused and committed to your chosen positive intervention. It's about building a life long habit. It's easier when you are clear on why you are doing it.

Creative activities as positive interventions offer a unique avenue for enhancing personal growth and well-being. They encourage self-expression and exploration, fostering a deeper connection with one's emotions and thoughts. Such activities not only boost creativity and imagination but also promote psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to adapt more readily to changes and challenges. Engaging in creative pursuits can lead to discovering new hobbies or talents, enriching one's life experience. Moreover, these activities can serve as a shared experience, enhancing social bonds and understanding among participants.

Incorporate creative positive interventions into your daily routine. Whether it is painting or music or photography or journaling, set aside a time each day to engage in it.

Instead of fighting against negative emotions, we should embrace positive psychology as a way to remind ourselves that life isn't all about discarding unpleasant experiences or adding glory to our lives. We can already be thankful for the things that we have in abundance if we can love ourselves and others, work hard, and wake up with renewed energy each day.