Source: pixabay.com
Are you of the sentimental sort but find yourself creatively challenged? Do you want to preserve memorable moments but are on the fence on how to convey those moments visually? How can you do it? There is only one word for it – scrapbook! And who knows? Scrapbooking may be the thing for you if you just try it!
(Scrapbooking Happiness)
Do you love taking pictures or do your parents have tons of your baby pics? For sure, those pictures are starting to pile up. Well, time to bring those photos out and turn your bare and boring walls into one fantastic original wall of art.
Using your creative talent and instinct combined with the energy you’re wasting just lying around watching TV or browsing your social media account, turn your room into one big memory lane. Gather up all your photos – childhood pics, photos of your travel, birthdays, parties, whatever you got in there – and start to harmonize and turn your space into your own haven, as if you’re going down memory lane.
Adding objects that silently communicate who we are as a person to our homes and offices reduces both our own stress levels and those of the people who view them. — Sally Augustin Ph.D.
Create Your Personalized Wall Clock
Take some of your photos and create your DIY photo wall clock from it. You can choose photos that best describe each stage of your life and memories that are timeless as well.
You can decide whatever shape of clock you want. It can be heart-shaped, round, square, whatever you think suits you. This scrapbook wall is undoubtedly a good idea for your living room or dining room for your visitors to see. Let them look at those photos with amazement. They will indeed serve as a good conversation starter. What do you think?
Word And Letter Art
Another creative way to decorate a wall is to decoupage letter art for the wall. It could be your name or words that are of significance to you. You can choose any color and design of scrapbook paper that matches the room or the theme you want to create, and in each letter, you can put on the pictures you want to display. It will surely be cute to put this scrapbook wall into a baby’s room or girl’s room.
In making a collage, you don’t have to go through the agony of drawing something realistic and are spared the feeling of embarrassment that your pictures look like a 10-year-old drew them… — Cathy Malchiodi PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT
The Board Wall Photo Exhibit
You can use square boards to create wall art that you could install into your room, the guest room, or even in the hallway leading to each room. You can use extra wood panels, any excess from your previous DIY projects, cover them with colorful scrapbook papers or if you have bright-colored or even plain black cloth. You may design it however you want so that your boards will look attractive. Glue on the board some photos of family vacations, parties, and other memorable occasions. It will give your house a real homey feeling.
Joyful Thoughts
Scrapbooking can give rein to your creative side. It can enhance your memory. Just merely looking at the pictures takes you back in time, stimulates your brain to recollect the event, allows us to experience the joy all over again.
Memory can be an enrichment and is only harmful when it becomes more important than the present. When past and present are accepted as one piece, you are ready to welcome tomorrow. — Arthur Dobrin D.S.W.
Wall scrapbooking can also be your family’s bonding activity. Fill your home with laughter while you put out those old photos. Sort them out with thrill and tell beautiful stories behind those smiles and crazy looks.
No need to follow any techniques or any trends, just be confident to put up the photos you love. Displaying memories that bring you joy will turn your space into something that is genuinely yours, a spot that will undoubtedly make you happy, something you will be proud to say, “This is the haven that I created.”
For many years my mother lovingly collected photographs and newspaper clippings, as well as an extensive genealogy from both sides of the family tree. Along with this, my mother had written the memoirs of my grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as her own accounts of various stories from our family life. — Helen Davey Ph.D.
Scrapbooking these days aren’t as popular as it used to be. Given its incredible accessibility, and ever-improving characteristic, most people just opt to upload their pictures to social media platforms that swarm the internet. However, it is also a fact that with its decreasing popularity comes a deeper appreciation for this creative form of expression.
Have you finally decided to seek professional help and get support from a therapist at this time of your life? For sure, you are still confused about how you are going to start the search for the said mental health expert. Before anything else, we want to acknowledge that what you are feeling right now is only typical for someone still new to trying therapy sessions. We understand how challenging it can be to look for the right professional to help and assist you in your mental health-related issues. At the same time, you are also probably clueless on how to go about this kind of arrangement, especially when you are afraid as to what other people may say.
It’s okay to be nervous if this is your first time seeing a therapist. That’s a perfectly normal response. The professional does this for a living; you do not. —
We have decided to come up with an article that will guide every reader on how to start their journey to recovery. The first thing that you must to do is to start looking for an excellent therapist. Keep in mind that you can always change the therapist at any time you want. However, it is best if you will stick to the first professional that you will select. The primary reason for this is to avoid any difficulty as you make a transition, especially when it comes to your records. Because of this, it is imperative on your part to be right in selecting your first therapist. Below are the top things to keep in mind:
Ask Around
For sure, you are not the only one in your community, which is strong enough to confront your challenges and struggles. What you must do is to look for people who have also gotten in touch with a therapist. All you have to do is to ask for their referrals or recommendations. However, make sure to be careful when it comes to asking this kind of question. Do not forget that some of your friends or colleagues may not be open to discussing their therapy sessions in public. As such, it is ideal if you will become discreet when making your inquiries. Otherwise, you may end up hurting them.
Research On Your Own
One of the best advantages of having an Internet these days is that you can easily search for relevant information online without the need of exhausting yourself. All you must do is to tailor your search to your area so that you can easily find the list of therapists near you that are performing well. At the same time, be diligent enough to search for the reviews or feedback given by their previous clients or current patients. In reading this information, you can already get an idea on whether or not the therapist can be perfect for you. As much as possible, verify the sources of your information. Take time to check the authenticity of the people leaving the comments so that you will not encounter any problem at all. Moreover, you can also call the clinic of the therapist if you have additional inquiries. The contact numbers are usually available in online directories or their websites.
Doctor’s offices these days are a flurry of activity. So unless you’re having an initial evaluation, your visit is likely to be as brief as 20 to 30 minutes. — Joe Wegmann P.D., L.C.S.W.
Book A Trial Appointment First
The best thing about engaging the services of a therapist is that you get to try a session first. Most of the licensed therapists provide free trial sessions for those who are interested in availing their services. However, there are also those who charge you immediately after the first session. For this reason, it is highly recommended to ask about the terms and conditions ahead of time. Do not book an appointment without reading the guidelines available. Otherwise, you may encounter some issues for your first appointment. During the trial session, it is crucial that you remain honest and truthful in your dealings with the therapist.
Take Your Time
As already mentioned above, it is ideal if you will take your time when it comes to searching for a therapist. Do not forget that there are thousands of available professionals online who are available to serve you. Because of this number, it can be challenging on your part to find out who among them is the best. Therefore, do not rush the process so that you will not make mistakes or errors in the selection process. Take all the time you need if it means making the best decision for yourself.
The most important issue in making a good decision is to choose a therapist that you feel understands you, respects you and can help you. It is the relationship that really matters. — Ellyn Kaschak Ph.D.
Always put in mind that choosing a therapist is not only about selecting the most excellent one but also finding the right professional whom you are comfortable to share your stories with.
In modern Western society, we deeply value good health, yet we have created a society and way of living so out of balance that damage to our long-term health is the inevitable result. — Melanie Greenberg Ph.D.
Everyone needs to start taking health and fitness seriously. Take note that getting sick will not only make you weak but may also put you in great financial trouble. Always keep in mind that the moment you experience illness, you will start to feel a lot of inconvenience in your life. The amount of cash that you need for medical check-ups and examinations, as well as medications, may even become the reason for your bankruptcy. Of course, this may not be the case if you have a good insurance provider. The worse thing that can happen to you is that your illness can also result in death, especially if it becomes severe.
Because of this, we want to remind everyone about the importance of prioritizing health and fitness. Below are some of the top strategies that readers like you can follow if you’re going to become fit and healthy. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the list to ensure that you will not suffer from the adverse effects of medical illness or even mental disorder. Here are the items to take note of:
Get Enough Sleep
You must see to it that you get the right amount of sleep every single night. An adult needs to have a sound sleep for at least six to eight hours a day to fully function the following day. Lack of sleep or rest will not only make you cranky or undesirable as a person. At the same time, it can also be a cause for some medical problems. The ideal way to make this happen is to follow a strict bedtime schedule. Aside from this, you can also train yourself to avoid bringing gadgets or devices in your bed. The radiation you get from these things may contribute to increasing sleep problems.
Follow A Balanced Diet
No matter how busy you are at work or your business, never forget the significance of a balanced diet. As much as possible, be careful about your food intake to ensure that you will not get fat from the unwanted sugar or carbohydrates from your food. Keep in mind that too much fat in your body, especially in the heart, can result in some dangerous medical conditions. A recent study shows that fat or obese people have a high tendency to suffer from a heart attack than those who are with regular or normal weight. What you have to do at this point is to avoid food items that have unhealthy ingredients.
With few exceptions, most foods are good foods and can provide nutrition to our bodies. Rejecting diets allows the intuitive eater to place the focus back on their body—the vessel receiving this nutrition—and start to hone in on its cues. — Mandy Beth Rubin, LPC
Prepare Your Meals
Instead of dining out in restaurants or fast food chains, it is highly recommended for everyone to start preparing your meals at home. Aside from it can help you stay fit and healthy, it can also enable you to save big on the expenses. When you prepare your food at the convenience of your residence, you can have more leeway on the kind of ingredients that you will use. At the same time, you can also focus more on following healthy recipes for food that you can enjoy or for your loved ones.
Be Physically Active
Another crucial tip that you have to keep in mind is to start living an active lifestyle. Despite having a busy or hectic schedule in your personal life, it is best to set aside minutes for your exercise activities. You do not need to pay for a gym subscription to be physically fit. If you prefer to do it at home, then all you must do is check online videos or download smartphone apps that show easy-to-follow exercise routines. You can still get fit and fab even at the comforts of your own home. Being physically active can prevent some medical complications from developing in your body.
Physical exercise can do much more for your mood, and you don’t have to do an intense workout to reap the benefits. Studies have shown that any physical activity stimulates several chemicals in your brain that allow you to feel more relaxed. —
Conclusion
Caring for your health must be your number one priority at this point. Do not wait before it is too late to act on the situation. Now that you are aware of how to develop a healthy lifestyle, be sure to commit yourself in following it. You will be surprised with all the benefits and advantages that you can get from it the moment you say goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle. Take note that for every healthy choice you make, you are investing something great for your future.
Therapeutic imagery? Have you heard of this therapy or treatment – image therapy? Guided therapeutic imagery utilizes imagery techniques in a therapeutic setting, conducted by a mental health professional.
Is treatment through imagery common? Is mental imagery effective?
There are different types of coping mechanisms and new guided therapy available out there that can help resolve mental health issues.
There is art and music, as well as talk therapy for mental health. With all these diverse methods, one seems to become an underrated process, and that is guided therapeutic imagery.
Words and speech can oftentimes be used as defense mechanisms in portraying our underlying motives, feelings, and thoughts.
In my recent discovery of PhotoTherapy, I can attest to the power of mental images, projection, and symbolic representations (oftentimes unconscious) found in photographs. — Sam Louie MA, LMHC
Guided imagery is therapeutic due to the mind-body connection it offers, which is calming and soothing in nature. Most people use interactive guided imagery techniques as part of their relaxation techniques to lower blood pressure, and to further cope with their anxiety, depression, and life struggles which could be something from a traumatic event, distressing images, negative emotions, depression, or a mental health problem.
Morover, During the COVID-19 pandemic, cognitive behavior therapy has been a helpful tool in managing anxiety and stress. One effective technique is positive imagery, which can be used in conjunction with behavior therapy and exposure therapy. By guiding the client to visualize positive scenarios and using bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or eye movements, professionals can help them reprocess negative images or traumatic memories and reduce the impact of intrusive images. Various forms can be used to help clients build resilience and cope with the challenges of life.
Individuals find it a language to express themselves even without saying something to the world.
As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Guided therapeutic imagery is a way to explore confusing things and understand their existence. It becomes a mirror of what other stuff is beyond reach.
The process of looking at distressing pictures and understanding their meaning combines to the degree that allows the brain to stabilize for a period.
It also supports calmness. Not only does it connect patients to the current situation they are in, but it also allows them to find a resolution based on the capability to acknowledge their state.
Sessions promote healing, decrease pain, develop progressive muscle relaxation, plant positive visuals, and guided imagery scripts, reduce migraine headaches and other symptoms, and even help manage bipolar disorder through private practice.
With the use of pictures and one’s five senses to capture and convey positive messages, individuals realize that there are exciting and beautiful things that appear different. And since most people only focus on what’s dangerously in front of them, they ignore significant things that add value to living.
Clients build a different representation of what each picture seems to symbolize. This takes training, practice, imagining, and visualization techniques to master, and going to a mental health professional who is in private practice would be much better.
Guided therapeutic imagery is an alternative therapy that uses photography and imagery techniques (e.g. eye movement desensitization, visuals, rescripting, breathing, etc.) in a healing setting. It goes under the direction of a professionally trained psychologist or counselor.
It is a method that helps in reducing psychological pain symptoms. It also facilitates mental development and its impacting factors, aids clients in overcoming posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, negative emotions, nightmares, and emotional distress, strengthens the immune system, and fosters positive feelings.
Since the language of the unconscious mind takes a huge part in illustrations, the use of photos in this manner promotes dialogue.
It supports the connection between the unconscious and conscious mind to produce an appropriate resolution to a particular life problem.
Whether it is about anxiety or depression, there is a significant chance of getting through understanding a meticulous photo.
Various shapes, sizes, and colors of pictures receive an explanation from individuals based on how they see and look at things.
Thought records are a useful tool in imagery. By becoming aware of their thoughts, imagery can help clients challenge negative or unhelpful beliefs. This intervention motivates clients to visualize a positive outcome and using the power of imagination to create a sense of calm and control. Research suggests that various forms of imagery can help regulate emotion and reduce distress related to the past. By
Guided imagery gives an objective perspective to material you’ve subjectively viewed for many years. It’s a shift to the typical flow of a session. — Ryan Howes PhD, ABPP
In guided imagery, individuals can also learn a lot about themselves. They can determine if they are smart, artistic, confident, and friendly by only looking at a series of pictures.
A professional will show photos that contain two or more details in them. Both photo details represent different characteristics of a person. You can explore the Academy for Guided Imagery to learn more about how these types of therapy can help you or your family.
One example of this illustration is the Rorschach inkblot. Psychologists use guided imagery to determine a person’s personality.
In this form of treatment, physical interventions (examples are meditation and hypnosis) can also be helpful in promoting relaxation and reducing stress. A client can be guided to visualize calming scenes, which can help them regain a sense of control over their mental beliefs and emotions. For
Another example of guided imagery is a series of objects in a photo where one of them seemed unnoticeably different from the rest.
Usually, it is best known to be a puzzling photo where people try and look for the uncanny one.
The alleviation of any psychological symptoms depends on every person, and that’s a significant reason for continually changing the procedures of treatment.
Yes, it is helpful in some ways, but it somehow doesn’t support the full application on a certain amount of mental conditions.
That is when individuals are no longer seeing positive things and only cater to what’s damaging and hurtful to them. There are times that even the beautiful photos seem to look off-putting and undesirable too.
Their psychological condition focuses on the little issues instead of looking at the positive ones. They end up feeling more pessimistic about the future and their world outlook turns bleak.
The availability of digital technology and media has exponentially enlarged capabilities for creative expression, communication, and networking.
As these advancements rapidly continue to emerge, there is also an increased curiosity and discussion among art therapists about the impact and applications of digital technology on practice. —Cathy Malchiodi PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT
Guided therapeutic imagery has been around in the field since photography’s early ages. And these days, we get to have the advantage of using technology in association with the process.
Having access to all cell phones, social media, and the internet, provides an alternative to show people that other things require different perspectives.
So if you love taking pictures, you should at least continue doing it as a guided portrayal.
If you believe that the process of capturing and looking at good pictures is helping you in relaxation, collect as many figurative illustrations as you want that represent various types of serenity.
This way, you don’t only help yourself in getting a stabilized psychological pace, but you’re also allowing your brain to develop healthily.
What is an image therapist?
How do you do guided imagery?
What are visualization exercises?
What kind of therapy is guided imagery?
What is visual therapy?
What kind of therapy is guided imagery?
How effective is guided imagery?
What is this kind of treatment good for?
Is guided imagery complementary therapy?
What is the science behind guided imagery?
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
From sewing and knitting to candle and soap making, there are just endless craft ideas that you and your family can try for fun and even for business. Who knows? You’ll get so hooked up and from amateur to super advanced!
If you have awesome skills in painting or drawing, opt for something that can get you the opportunity to decorate, such as charcoal painting or card making. If you have an unending interest in molding and modeling, you can try to get your hands dirty over clay, soap, or candle. This is a fun hobby to do with your siblings, and your mom and dad might want to join and make it a family thing.
Craft making may take as fast as one day, while others take weeks, even months. Also, you don’t have to spend too much on materials. You only have to be a bit more creative, patient, and resourceful.
Below is a list of some of the most affordable and easy craft ideas for amateurs like you and me.
For 35 years, I ran a sewing business that focused on bedrooms. My slogan was “What you do in your bedroom is my business.” — Marty Nemko Ph.D.
Sewing
If you think embroidery is too common to try first, you can always go for sewing. There’s a lot you can sew for starters. Pillowcases and curtains are the simplest, but if you’re a teenager who wants to do some crafting with your friends in school, this one’s what you can start with.
How about grabbing one or two friends who can help you sew a simple handbag from an old pair of denim pants? Simply cut out pieces of squares from the pants and arrange them in a pattern that you want, and then sew them together. If your friends want to style it more, tell them to bring a cute fabric that will serve as the bag’s inner lining. To finish off, stitch a beautiful-looking belt wrapped around the middle of your bag. You’re done!
This bag is so basic, so you can do other styles using different fabric of varying colors. There’s no right or wrong – just the kind that brings out your personality.
Knitting And Crocheting
Many of us have knitted one or two sweaters when we were teens. For me, it was a Christmas hobby that I did with my grandma, and now I’m passing the routine to my own family. But my kids were a little more distracted with gadgets, so they ended making two small rugs instead of sweaters!
Source: en.wikipedia.org
If your mom is busy or perhaps isn’t into the hobby, don’t fret. The Internet is one of the best teachers ever. It’s loaded with fun videos and tutorials for amateurs. If it’s your first time and you don’t want to get frustrated, start with something small, like a colorful doily or crocheted glass holders. When you’ve done that, you’ll be excited to try bigger ones, like quilts or jumpers. This project only takes some cheap needles, different colors of yarn, and a crochet hook. Surprise your mom and make her a scarf for her birthday.
Take a knitting lesson from your grandmother or a class online. If you are a comfort eater, find a visual spatial task like knitting to keep your hands busy and give your mind a place to rest without food. — Susan Albers Psy.D.
Tatting
Tatting is similar to crocheting yet done differently. So if you’re not into crocheting or you’ve had too much of it for the week, then tatting is the best alternative. Instead of a crochet needle, you’re going to need a tatting shuttle, which doesn’t look at all the same as the needle. The most marked difference is in how the lacework is done.
Also, the two methods have a different way of wounding, looping, and knotting the thread. In tatting, the shuttle passes inward, outward, and then around the loop of thread that is loosely wound around your hand. Tatting is mostly about picots, loops, and strings.
Quilling
These are for the more imaginative ones, those who want more challenge. Quilling is a three-dimensional method of making pictures from thinly cut strips of colorful paper that are tightly rolled together to form different shapes. Most quill enthusiasts start with flowers placed on frames, but others go for Christmas cards and birthday invitations. Quilling can also be used to make jewelry, although it may need waterproof paper.
The basic tools are colored paper, glue, and scissors. Eventually, you can buy the official quilling strips or just make them yourselves. There are available patterns for free on the Internet as well.
Adding objects that silently communicate who we are as a person to our homes and offices reduces both our own stress levels and those of the people who view them. — Sally Augustin Ph.D.
Source: maxpixel.net
Soap Making
If you’re someone who’s not into clothes and yarns and needles, get your hands dirty and show your creativity through soap making. This is a great activity that you can do with your mom, sister, brother or the whole family. Gather all the used soaps in the house and melt them into new shapes. Place these melted soaps into a mold and simply add your favorite scented oil and other hypoallergenic ingredients that you want for your soap.
If you are alone in this hobby, there are great online tutorials that can help you with the process. Try different scents and see what best suits you. Hand-made soaps are so popular these days, as people are into natural and organic. When you become an expert ‘soap maker,’ you can move on with body butter, scrubs, and moisturizers.
Source: pixabay.com
As per the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder, which is defined as a type of depression that results in a constant feeling of sadness and disinterest, is one of America’s most rampant mental illnesses. Medications coupled with psychiatric treatment and counseling can effectively help cure or decrease depressive symptoms.
But recently, alternative methods have been getting a lot of attention, particularly crafting. Research has shown that it may help combat the deleterious effects of depression and other mental disorders. Painting, baking, knitting, and scrapbooking are some types of craftwork that can be used to improve one’s mental health.
Art therapists have capitalized on collage as a medium of choice for interventions and with almost infinite variation depending on the directive given and materials used. — Cathy Malchiodi PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT
In this article, we will focus our attention on crafting and its therapeutic benefits.
Improved Mood. This has actually been proven a long time ago but the facts were not documented. Women in the olden times who were left at home while their husbands went to battle would knit and quilt bees to forget the fear and loneliness. This gave them comfort and happiness.
Scrapbooking can be a way for people to improve their moods. The habit of collecting photos and creating stories through their creativity relieves stress and promotes a positive behavior. Individuals with depression can utilize other craftwork, such as painting and drawing. Some psychologists encourage their patients to draw or paint their happy thoughts to stimulate positivity.
Perhaps less obviously, creativity also changes the world through social movements that change society itself. This creativity can pull in previously excluded people, like social movements aiming to create greater equity in education and the workplace). — Zorana Ivcevic Pringle Ph.D.
Source: cannon.al.mil
Decreased Levels Of Anxiety. More often than not, depression and anxiety develop together. In fact, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that almost 50% of diagnosed depressed individuals also have an anxiety disorder. A study was done to prove the efficiency of art therapy, and this indicated that patients who were asked to use photos and make a scrapbook of their families showed a great deal of reduction in their anxiety levels.
Many small things, such as food, photographs and songs, can be vehicles for solace when they provide links to a loved past. In times of distress some people find the forgotten scent, a song heard together as a way of keeping the past in the present. — Arthur Dobrin D.S.W.
Furthermore, some of those who tried other forms of creative therapy claimed that they temporarily forgot why they were depressed at all. Experts explain that this may be because of the focus, time, and concentration that they give when they do handicrafts.
Increased Joy And Happiness. A depressed person is said to be insufficient in dopamine, a chemical that is responsible for feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Studies have proven that scrapbooking and other creative activities stimulate the production of dopamine in the brain, making one happier and feeling better about himself.
A study involving more than 3000 knitters showed that about 81% of the participants who were depressed felt that they were less sad after the said activity.
Source: surreyhillsnc.org.au
Practice Crafting
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with depression, seek help from a mental health professional. They will most probably prescribe medications in conjunction with counseling. You may want to suggest doing something creative, which is a natural way to achieve mental wellness.
Enroll in a baking class. Try painting. Sew pillowcases. Do paper mache. Collect wonderful memories and create a beautiful story through scrapbooking. Whatever crafting idea you choose to try, the therapeutic benefits are all the same – lesser depressive symptoms, improved mental and emotional state, and a better and more positive way of looking at life.
Not everyone has a good visual memory. You can make a real scrapbook in which you put photos and mementos of your loved one that have a positive emotional meaning for you. — Elinor Greenberg Ph.D.
Scrapbooking is more than just telling our life story but adding more colors and art to it. Every little detail is emphasized and brought to life once more. Scrapbooking has been featured in some Hollywood movies, movies about friends and family walking down memory lane. It highlights how our memories are essential in creating our identity. Memories are important because they are the confirmation of our existence, our dreams, our aspirations, and they make us grounded in what we used to be.
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