Jenna Mikus, PhD’s Post

The creative process allows us to express ourselves, reduce stress, and find deeper meaning beyond our daily routines. This article explores how creativity can foster a sense of fulfillment. #arttherapy

The people who took part in arts and crafts reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a stronger sense that life is worthwhile. The boost to respondents' sense that life is worthwhile was as significant as being in employment. However, engagement with arts and crafts didn't predict levels of loneliness. This could be because some crafts can be solitary: further research will be needed to investigate the social aspects of arts and crafts.

🌟 New Research Highlights the Power of Arts and Crafts for Well-Being 🌟 A recent study featured in New Scientist reveals that engaging in arts and crafts can significantly boost well-being, often surpassing the mental health benefits associated with employment. The findings suggest that creative activities not only provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose but also foster social connections and emotional resilience. Like so many people actively supporting crafts, I recognize the profound impact that arts and crafts have on individuals and communities. By preserving and promoting these traditional crafts, we not only safeguard cultural heritage but also support the well-being of artisans and communities globally. Let's continue to celebrate and sustain the creative practices that enrich our lives and our world. 🔗 Read more about the study here: https://lnkd.in/eWaWM_p2 #MentalHealth #WellBeing #HeritageCrafts #CulturalHeritage #Creativity #ArtsandCrafts

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of modern life? Struggling to navigate through the complexities of your own mind? You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, mental well-being is more important than ever, yet many of us find it challenging to prioritize self-care amidst our daily responsibilities. At Course Plus, we understand the struggles that individuals face when it comes to managing their mental health. That's why we're passionate about offering solutions that not only address these challenges but also empower individuals to take control of their well-being. Our latest blog explores the transformative potential of art therapy for the modern mind, shedding light on how artistic expression can serve as a powerful tool for promoting mental wellness. Did you know that according to recent studies, over 70% of adults report experiencing stress or anxiety daily? The pressures of work, relationships, and societal expectations can take a toll on our mental health, leading to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. Moreover, creative individuals, including artists and hobbyists, often encounter unique psychological challenges such as creative blocks and self-doubt, which can hinder their ability to fully express themselves artistically. Fortunately, art therapy offers a holistic approach to mental well-being that addresses these challenges at their core. By engaging in artistic expression, individuals can reduce stress hormones, improve mood and emotional regulation, and enhance self-awareness and cognitive function. Our blog delves into the science behind art therapy, highlighting its proven benefits and providing practical tips for incorporating creative practices into your daily routine. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to reignite your passion or a complete beginner seeking a therapeutic outlet, there's a place for art therapy in your life. Our online courses are designed to help you harness the healing power of creativity and take your artistic skills to the next level. From mastering the fundamentals of acrylic painting to exploring the mesmerizing world of fluid art, we offer a diverse range of courses tailored to suit your interests and skill level. Investing in your well-being is one of the most important decisions you can make. By enrolling in our online courses, you'll not only gain valuable skills and knowledge but also unlock the transformative potential of creativity in your life. Join us at Course Plus and start your journey of self-discovery and healing through the art of expression. Blog Link : https://lnkd.in/gtJGJX4P #MentalWellness #ArtTherapy #SelfCare #CoursePlus #Creativity #WellBeing

Many acoustic design standards are derived from research based on people with 'optimised' hearing. The dBA metric, used by many of these standards, is based on listening tests of 'healthy' 18-25 year olds. We developed the Aural Diversity Toolkit to help architects, engineers and acousticians consider how to design better spaces and environments for aurally-diverse populations. Take a look at the toolkit here. #WeAreArup #AuralDiversity #Inclusivity

I love what I do, but man do I miss spending my days writing. The problem is that, unless you’re that one in a million, you’re not making bank on your writing. And it turns out that kids have expensive taste. With a combination of chronic illness and autism, I’m often wrecked when 5pm rolls around. Then begins the delicate dance of kids’ extracurriculars, making sure everyone is fed-and-bed at a reasonable time, and planning for the next day … I’m lucky if I can even click onto Netflix before I’m just done. Being on leave for surgery recovery right now has brought things into focus. I’m still failing to do for me. I keep wanting to write, sew, paint, build, CREATE. I have tools I’ve barely touched. I have bare canvas folded up in drawers. I want to DO. And I want to foster this feeling. I want to invest in me. In the spaces and tasks where I thrive. Has anyone take ‘creative leave’ from work, like a mini sabbatical? How do you protect your time? How do you make sure you don’t just stay in your pyjamas and order takeaway (unless that’s your process, in which case I’ll take a gravy chip)? How do you discipline your time so it is spent on your art? I have 25,000 words of the latest manuscript I promised myself I’d finish in 2023 that I’d like to convince not to give up on me just yet. Image description: A rainbow-coloured background with a white cloud in the centre that reads “Everything changes when you decide to stop abandoning yourself”. Art by Katie Abey

Expressing emotions through various art mediums, capturing the essance of life, sparking emotions and fostering connections without the use of words. Check out this popular class available at HopeSpring

Embrace the power of creativity! Creative careers—whether in art, design, music, writing, or innovation—fuel imagination and drive cultural evolution. They shape our world, inspire new perspectives, and challenge the status quo. From the brushstrokes of a painter to the notes of a composer, creative professionals transform ideas into reality, bringing beauty, meaning, and progress to society. Their work not only entertains and enlightens but also sparks change and fosters connection across borders and generations. Pursuing a creative career means embracing the unknown, pushing boundaries, and making a lasting impact. Never underestimate the power of creativity—it’s the heartbeat of innovation and the soul of humanity. #grade10 #grade12 #graduates #teenagers #careerguidance4u #careerguidance #careercounselling #careercounsellor #careercoach #careerpath #careerconfusion #career #students #professionals #parents #CreativeCareers  #ArtAndInnovation  #CreativeIndustry  #InspireChange  #CreativeMindset  #InnovationThroughArt  #CulturalImpact  #CreativeProfessionals  #PursueYourPassion  #ArtisticExpression  #CreativityMatters  #InspiringCreativity  #CulturalEvolution  #CreativePower  #ArtAndDesign

There are some great solutions presented in the article

Each session of the Youth Expressive Arts program spans an hour, focusing on a specific art form such as painting, mask-making, drawing, or tiles. Concurrently, there's a daily theme paired with self-reflective questions. Through these artistic journeys, participants embark on an exploration of their headspaces, gaining a better understanding of themselves and others. Activities That Transform: Your Best Day Vision Board: Unleash your imagination and create a vision board of your best day! This activity is a celebration of magical, excited thinking, allowing creativity to shine through as participants envision and manifest their ideal day. Hashtags: #BestDayVision #CreativeImagination #YouthExpression Self-Care Jar: Craft a jar filled with reminders of what motivates and brings joy during the lowest days. This tangible reminder becomes a source of inspiration, fostering a sense of self-care and well-being. Hashtags: #SelfCareJar #MotivationReminder #YouthWellness Internal/External Weather Report: Reflect on the world around you and your internal landscape. This insightful exercise encourages participants to connect their emotions with external influences, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Hashtags: #WeatherReport #EmotionalIntelligence #YouthReflection Self-Care Assessment Wheel and Response: Assess your self-care needs using a personalized wheel. Pinpoint where you are currently and craft responses tailored to your well-being. This activity empowers participants to actively engage in their self-care journey. Hashtags: #SelfCareAssessment #WellnessWheel #YouthEmpowerment Join us on this transformative journey, where art becomes a vessel for self-discovery, expression, and the building of unshakable confidence. Let's create, explore, and empower the future together! 🌈✨ #ExpressYourself #YouthEmpowerment #ConfidenceBuilding #ArtfulDiscovery