Art for the Mind and the importance of Mindfulness

The importance of mindfulness

Art is a great way to help focus your mind on one task and bring your attention to the present moment, separating yourself from the busyness of your mind and daily life.

This is an effective way to manage stress, improve well-being and encourage relaxation, without even leaving the comfort of your home or wherever your quiet space is.

Art doesn't have to be a masterpiece; you don't need to be good at it or know much about it. Art can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. You don’t have to spend a fortune on supplies or lessons either. Just allowing yourself to have a go and practice being creative without worrying about the outcome of your art is a good place to start.

A doodle a day

Have a go at one of the following exercises every day to help get you started. All you need is a pen or pencil and some paper.

1. Line drawings

Draw a scribble with your non-dominant hand with your eyes shut. Open your eyes and complete the drawing you see in your mind’s eye.

2. Mandalas

How to draw a mandala:

Draw the guidelines in pencil
Start at the centre
Use the guidelines to evenly draw your shapes in each section
Add as many embellishments as you want

REMEMBER to rub out the pencil lines before you add colour.

3. Tea staining

Pour a small amount of tea or coffee onto your paper.
Wait for it to dry.
What shape has the stain created? Draw what you see using a pen and turn the stain into something creative.

4. Draw what you see; complete the drawing

Use these shapes to begin or look around the space you are in for other examples of quirky shapes and lines. Look at road signs, shop adverts, book illustrations or out of the window. This is also a good way to practice living in the moment and focus your attention on what's around you, which is a good mindful practice.

Where to get involved in a creative class...

We are the Community Wellbeing Partnership, working as part of the community mental health transformation in Redcar & Cleveland. Footprints in the community is a partner to help provide opportunities for people to improve their health and wellbeing to reduce isolation. We do this through organising different activities and groups in the community. We want to support people to manage their mental health or move towards individualised recovery on their own terms in their local community by attending our timetable of free activities.