Using Creative Expression

4/17/2020

- Cate Cofer, School Counselor

I know some of you are not the “let’s go for a run” type of people (this is the same person who only runs after crispy M & M’s and Diet Pepsi). So, what do you do to let off steam, to relax and unwind, to just decompress from your day? Have you ever thought about creative outlets as ways to destress?

Sometimes just taking the time to draw, paint, listen to music, create something, sing, dance, or do something creative and artistic can relieve some of your emotional reactions. These can be small things such as taking a moment to doodle on a piece of paper, to larger things such as creating a masterpiece. I have listed some things to try to express yourself. Remember- you know you better than anyone, so do what’s best for you. This list is not inclusive so be creative with it!

Journaling
- If you could change something in your life, what would you change?
- Doodle or draw
- Making people out of pipe cleaners
- Paint
  - Paint a picture
  - Paint a box
  - Paint a t-shirt
  - Tie-dye
  - Create something out of clay, model magic, anything bendy
  - Create something out of Legos or blocks
  - Make a fairy garden (see Nurse Renae’s blog post for a few weeks back- it’s magical!)
  - Make jewelry or hair pieces
  - Sew something (might I suggest a mask?)
  - Make a game out of items around your house
  - Create a thought jar (where you can write down positive thoughts, put them in a jar and then you can look back at them when you need a pick me up!)
  - Make cards out of paper and stickers to send to your friends
  - Bake something delicious (may I suggest this scrumptiousness?) https://www.mastercook.com/app/Recipe/WebRecipeDetails?recipeId=19049116 )
  - Create something that Mrs. Gina would be jealous of
  - Make yard signs for your friends out of poster board
  - Memorize a song
  - Make up a fun dance

Peak, Pit and what would you change?
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be? why?
If you were an animal, what you would be? why?
What is your favorite memory?
What makes you happy? What makes you sad? Explain your answer.
If your anger was a character what would it be? what would it look like? what would it sound like? what would it say? how would it behave?
If you could see the world in only 1 color, what color would you choose? why?
What would be different if you ________ (could only walk backward, your hand were feet, your eyes were in the back of your head, your ears were on your hands, you could only talk in song, you had wheels as feet, etc)?
If you could write a letter to someone you admire, what would you say?

These are just some ideas to allow yourself to decompress, enjoy time away from the screen and allow your brain to just take a breath.

Have fun you silly rascals!

Back

1/1