Expressive art therapy is a form of therapy that uses the creative process of making art to promote healing and improve mental health. This therapy technique can help individuals reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing overall well-being.

In today's fast-paced and high-stress work environment, employees often struggle with maintaining their mental health. Therefore, incorporating expressive art therapy activities into the workday can be a beneficial way to support employee well-being. In this article, we will explore various expressive art therapy activities that can be done at work.

Benefits of Expressive Art Therapy

Expressive art therapy has been shown to provide numerous mental health benefits. Creating art can help individuals express their emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.

For example, research has shown that drawing and coloring can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Similarly, painting and collage-making can provide an outlet for emotions, leading to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Sculpting can also provide a tactile experience that promotes relaxation and mindfulness.

Expressive Art Therapy Activities

There are several expressive art therapy activities that can be incorporated into the workday. One example is drawing, which can be done with just a pen and paper. Take a break during the workday and spend 10-15 minutes drawing whatever comes to mind. This activity can provide a creative outlet while also promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Another activity that can be done at work is painting. Grab some watercolor paints and paper, and create something that inspires you. Painting can provide a sense of control and promote mindfulness, helping individuals stay present in the moment.

Collage-making is another expressive art therapy activity that can be done at work. You can cut out pictures from magazines or newspapers and glue them onto a piece of paper to create a collage. This activity helps individuals express their emotions and create a visual representation of their feelings.

Finally, sculpting can also be a beneficial expressive art therapy activity. Start with a lump of clay or playdough and create something that represents how you feel. This activity can provide a tactile experience that promotes relaxation and mindfulness.

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Tips for Incorporating Expressive Art Therapy into the Workday

To incorporate expressive art therapy into the workday, it's important to find time and space for these activities. Here are 4 quick ways you can incorporate art therapy into your workday:

Schedule art therapy time: Just like you would schedule a meeting or appointment, block off time in your calendar specifically for art therapy activities. This can be a 15-minute break during your workday, or a longer session on the weekends. By scheduling this time in advance, you are more likely to prioritize it and make it a regular part of your routine.
Combine activities: If you find that you don't have a lot of extra time in your day, try combining art therapy with other activities. For example, you could do a quick sketch or drawing during your morning coffee break, or paint while you watch your favorite TV show in the evening. By multitasking in this way, you can fit more art therapy activities into your day without sacrificing other important tasks.
Make use of downtime: Look for opportunities to do art therapy activities during periods of downtime throughout your day. This could include waiting in line, riding on public transportation, or during your lunch break. Keep a sketchbook or small set of art supplies with you, so that you can easily engage in these activities whenever you have a spare moment.
Involve others: Consider incorporating art therapy activities into your social life by inviting friends or family members to join you. This can be a fun and creative way to connect with loved ones, while also making time for art therapy activities.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Marriott International

Marriott International, a multinational hotel chain, has incorporated expressive art therapy into its employee wellness program. The program includes a range of activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. The company provides a dedicated art room in each of its hotels, where employees can take breaks and participate in art therapy activities. According to Marriott, the program has helped to reduce employee stress levels and improve overall job satisfaction.

Case Study 2: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a nonprofit organization that provides support and advocacy for individuals with mental health conditions, has incorporated art therapy into its programming. The organization offers art therapy workshops and classes for individuals living with mental health conditions, as well as for their families and caregivers. NAMI reports that art therapy has helped participants improve their mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and express their emotions in a healthy way.

Case Study 3: The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief and support to communities in need, has incorporated art therapy into its programming for disaster responders. The organization provides art therapy workshops for responders who have experienced trauma and stress during their work. The workshops include activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, and provide responders with an outlet to express their emotions and process their experiences in a healthy way. The American Red Cross reports that art therapy has helped responders improve their mental health and cope with the challenges of their work.

Case Study #4: Google

Google has several art rooms throughout their offices, where employees can create and showcase their artwork. The art rooms provide a space for employees to take a break from their work and engage in a creative activity, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating expressive art therapy activities into the workday can be a beneficial way to support employee well-being. By providing employees with an outlet for creativity and self-expression, employers can help promote mental health and improve workplace culture. Encourage your employees to take breaks throughout the day to participate in these activities, and make expressive art therapy a part of your workplace culture.

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Meet The Writer!

Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com

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Expressive Art Therapy Activities You Can Do At Work