That space between work and life.

It's Thursday. Not quite the weekend. Having said that, I haven't been excited about a weekend in 20 years. Is that what ageing does? Or is it evolving priorities? My ideal weekend is avoiding people, spending time with my family, or just getting out of the city to find solace in quiet spaces. 

 

Do hobbies even matter?

What is a hobby? 

When I was young, I had a few hobbies. I don't know if now is the time for hobbies or not. I am drained 99% of the time and I don't feel like a hobby is the way forward. Unless, of course, I just haven't found an interest during my forties.

Here's a list of hobbies or interests I've had over the years.

• Dancing
• Gymnastics - I completed all the B.A.G.A awards. If you're a 70s/80s baby I am sure you'll be familiar with the B.A.G.A badges, sponsored by that brown fizzy pop that shall remain nameless. 
• I had a penpal in Hungary, but I forgot her name. Sorry, whoever you are. 
• Jewelry making. This was a fleeting interest. Expensive and not particularly enjoyable.
• Drawing
• Painting
• Numismatics (coin collecting, sadly not the new types...)

I still draw occasionally. I find it quite therapeutic and I drew every day throughout lockdown because I didn't know how else to survive mentally. Safe to say it worked. See a recent example below.

Art is therapy 

The Healing Power of Art: 3 Reasons Why Art is Therapy

Our world is often overwhelmed with stress and anxiety so turning to art can offer more than just aesthetic pleasure, it can serve as a powerful form of therapy. From painting to sculpting, from dancing to writing poetry, engaging in art has been shown to have profound benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Here are three reasons why I think art is therapy:

1. Expression Without Words:

Art provides an outlet for expression, allowing us to communicate emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words. For those struggling with their mental health, vocalising their feelings can be impossible to express. Through art, however, they can convey their innermost thoughts and emotions using colour, shape, texture, and movement. Whether it's a swirl of vibrant colours on a canvas or the rhythmic motion of a dancer, art enables individuals to express their internal struggles in a cathartic way.

2. Mindfulness and Presence:

Engaging in artistic activities encourages mindfulness and promotes a state of present-moment awareness. When fully immersed in the creative process, individuals often experience a sense of flow—a state of deep concentration where they lose track of time and become completely absorbed in what they're doing. This immersion in the present moment can be incredibly therapeutic, offering respite from worries about the past or anxieties about the future.

3. Empowerment and Self-Discovery:

Art therapy empowers individuals to explore and confront their innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. With guidance from trained therapists or through independent artistic exploration, individuals can use art as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Creating art can create a sense of control, which gives individuals a chance to reclaim ownership of their narratives and rewrite their stories in a way that promotes healing and resilience. Whether through the creation of self-portraits, the visualisation of inner conflicts, or the depiction of dreams and aspirations, art therapy allows individuals to gain insight into their own psyches and embark on a journey of self-understanding and transformation.

In conclusion, art is much more than just a creative pursuit—it is a powerful form of therapy that offers myriad benefits for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By providing a means of expression without words, promoting mindfulness and presence, empowerment and self-discovery, art enables individuals to navigate the complexities of the human experience and embark on a journey of healing and growth. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, consider picking up a paintbrush, dancing to your favourite song, or writing in a journal—because sometimes, the greatest therapy can be found in the act of creation.