Collage art-making is a highly accessible form of artistic expression that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. All you need is paper material of any kind, scissors (optional), and some form of glue, be it liquid or solid. Most important

ly, approach the process with an open mind. Simply gather your materials, find or create images, and playfully arrange and layer them until you are visually satisfied with your creation. Whether your artwork is figurative or abstract, the key is to relax and have fun.

Although collage-making may initially seem overwhelming and chaotic, once you begin, you become immersed in the process and find comfort in the unknown outcomes it brings. According to the National Institutes of Health, engaging in art therapy through visual and symbolic expressions can enhance one's sense of value and self-esteem. Art-making in general can also improve symptoms associated with various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, and PTSD resulting from lived trauma. Here are six ways that collage art-making can contribute to improving mental health and well-being:

1. Focus In today's technology-driven world, where distractions abound, maintaining focus on everyday tasks is becoming increasingly difficult. Engaging in collage-making allows you to immerse yourself for hours without realizing how time flies. The focusing skills you develop during collaging can be applied to other aspects of your life with practice.
   

2. Self-Confidence Many people struggle with self-confidence, especially when it comes to creativity and art-making. Collage-making has no strict rules, offering you the opportunity to gain immense confidence in yourself as a creator. With a few tips and guidance, you can experience a boost in self-confidence through collage art.
   

3. Resilience Art-making, in general, promotes resilience as it often presents design challenges that require problem-solving. By persevering through these challenges, you can cultivate resilience.
   

4. Brain Development The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine suggests that art enhances brain function by influencing brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system. Similar to meditation, engaging in art-making, including collage art, can reduce stress and create new neural pathways by exposing the brain to new challenges and experiences. Collage-making, in particular, is an ideal art form for improving mental health and addressing mental illness because it constantly introduces new materials, forcing the brain to find new solutions and adapt to the variety available.
   

5. Emotional Release Art serves as a powerful tool for expressing emotions and ideas. When faced with challenging life experiences, feelings, and thoughts, all forms of art, including visual art like collage-making, can help release blocked emotions and alleviate feelings of fear, anxiety, and regret.
   

6. Fun Whether art-making becomes a hobby or a one-time activity, it undeniably offers an enjoyable experience, especially when the pressure to create something beautiful is removed. Collage-making, along with other art forms, is not restricted to predefined notions of beauty; it can be whatever you want it to be. If you need to relax and clear your mind, engaging in art-making without expectations can be truly exciting as you experiment with different colors, textures, shapes, and sizes. When we have fun, we reconnect with our inner child, which brings joy. Smiling, feeling a sense of excitement, and experiencing a sense of accomplishment at the end of the activity can help reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

There are numerous compelling reasons why you should take a break from your current activities and embark on the journey of creative expression. If you feel intimidated, it's perfectly fine to start off by engaging in art-making alone or with a trusted friend who can provide guidance and support throughout the process. Begin with a small-scale project to ease into the experience. Grab a 7" by 7" piece of paper, cardboard, or any available material and let your imagination guide your coloring. Explore the possibilities by gathering magazines and different types of paper materials, allowing yourself to freely cut, rip, and manipulate the images you discover. Experiment with arranging them side by side or layering them to create visually captivating compositions. For further inspiration, feel free to visit my Instagram page. I invite you to share your creations with me for a chance to be featured on this website. Embrace the joy of creativity and happy creating!

Sources : University of Sydney : How Art Changes The Brain American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine : How The Brain Is Affected By Art Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making