Recovery and healing can sometimes seem like a never-ending road. Some days, there will be something new to unearth and conquer, while others will be spent catching up on the new happenings in life. However, keeping yourself engaged in mindful activities can be the key to better processing the healing phase.
While patients may opt for a luxury treatment facility to ensure they are getting ample private time to recover, it is still crucial to engage in activities that keep them engaged and committed. These activities do notnecessarily have to be physically strenuous or outgoing but rather directed towards providing comfort and reassurance that things are working out just right.
Here are some therapeutic activity ideas to try:
- Painting
Painting is an excellent way to express your creativity and pour your thoughts onto the canvas. The activity helps develop a rational mind and a logical approach to challenges. It enables one to think beyond what they know, structure information, and devise a technique to manifest the design from thoughts into reality. Painting also improves motor skills while providing a safe means to express one’s emotions.
- Knitting
Whether you love scarves or have been wanting to own a sweater in a unique color combination, knitting allows you to take control of your imagination and bring it to reality. It also improves cognitive function and helps in organizing your thoughts. Additionally, knitting also involves complete engagement of the brain in pattern recognition, attention to detail, and spatial awareness, encouraging problem-solving and creative thinking. Also, as knitting is a challenging skill to master, the end product will eventually become something you will forever be happy and proud of.
- Draw a mandala
Mandalas are intricate designs that are often regarded as representations of the dreaming state. Drawing and coloring a mandala is a relaxing practice that can be incredibly beneficial in relieving symptoms of stress and anxiety. In fact, mandala and its positive effects have been a topic of interest for many years. Drawing and coloring mandalas can significantly improve concentration and can be effective in calming hyperactive minds.
- Playing with clay
Clay has been a vital part of everyone’s childhood growing up. It is soft and easy to shape into anything you are able to imagine. During your recovery, clay can be incredibly helpful in building self-esteem, allowing you to process trapped emotions while working it out, and even enhancing problem-solving abilities. The squeezing action can be helpful in stress management and can help in transforming into a meditative state.
- Try origami
With its roots shared in China and Japan, origami involves eye-hand coordination, enhances patience, promotes learning, and unlocks creativity. The joy of seeing the artwork after following an intricate set of instructions is sure to bring a sense of achievement.
- Create a gratitude list
Handling negative emotions and old habits, especially during rehabilitation, can sometimes seem too much work to do. There are often moments of weakness that can very well be conquered by practicing gratitude. Writing down everything you are grateful for shifts the focus onto the positive side of life, encouraging you to keep doing what makes you happy and better.
- Focusing on self-care
Recovering can be challenging sometimes, and shifting attention to yourself can be incredibly helpful in managing stress, practicing gratitude, and encouraging the path you have traveled so far. You can try a skincare routine using moisturizer, serums, and massage techniques, spend 20-30 minutes a day reading your favorite book (no matter how many times you have read it), or have a brief positive talk session in front of the mirror.
Bottomline
There’s no easy route to recovery, but by devoting yourself to the cause, you can build or even sharpen your skills. It is always best to be open to experimenting with activities that bring you joy and satisfaction while also focusing on developing a mindset that allows you to fully immerse yourself in these experiences.
