Art Making

Art making and exercises have countless applications.  Beyond Development (BD) uses art exercises for its emotional and behavioral benefits. Using art exercises integrated with mindfulness and music, teens are able to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social and communication skills, reduce anxiety, and increase self-confidence.

Individuals with internal conflicts such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD often experience difficulty processing stress.  Art exercises allow such individuals to observe, accept, process, and resolve stress as they mindfully paint, draw, or sketch.

The benefits of art-making with or without skills are many! We have provided a list of benefits for your convenience. Making art:

1. Develops and improves focus.

Teens need help with direction, focus, and discipline. Art making helps to develop the skills to focus, build discipline and live a healthy life.

2. Stimulates release of dopamine and alleviates symptoms of depression.

Studies show a link between addiction and depression. Art and music combined can help foster a positive attitude and promote self-compassion. Art making is proven to help combat the chemical imbalances in the brain that may lead to depression.

3. Improves communication skills.

Teens struggle with expressing and communicating their feelings and thoughts. Some even turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to escape. Art encourages self-expression and can help develop communication skills and the ability to reach out to others.

4. Reduces and releases stress and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety are the most common reasons teens abuse drugs or alcohol. Lack of purpose and identity combined with peer pressure and rapid changes can take a toll on mind and body. Art activities help to release stress naturally and convert negative energy into positive, promoting relaxation and DNA repair.

5. Builds self-esteem.

If we know anything about art, it is its gift of creative expression. Studies show that art raises self-confidence and self-awareness. Art taps into the part of the brain that screams creativity, empathy, and optimism. Art making helps build the self-awareness and self-esteem necessary to tackle various social situations and life challenges.