Healing Power of Art

Scrapbooking

Memories are some of the most important pieces of information that we can hold in our brains.  They are proof that we lived through experiences, both good and bad.  On days where we may feel a little lost, and we’re in need for some mental clarity, a memory to look back on can be the perfect solution.  This explains why it is so common to take pictures of ourselves, as well as the ones we love on days where we feel our best.  If you are a person that likes to take a lot of pictures, or if you are just looking for some peace of mind, then scrapbooking may just be your type of activity.

Scrapbooking is a low stress activity that involves pictures, paper, scissors, glue, and most importantly: memories.  Like any type of art, there is no right or wrong way to make a scrapbook, so you have all of the freedom in the world to let your creativity soar.  If you’re not quite sure how to approach it, then a good way to start is to look through your photos, and find one that stands out to you on that particular day.  Think about how that memory makes you feel, and create a whole page in your book dedicated to it.  Add some words that describe how you felt that day, and soon you’ll have a beautiful piece that you can look back at whenever you need to.

Scrapbooking comes with a number of mental benefits, including memory improvement.  As we get older, it is not uncommon for our memories to go, so having scrapbooks to look back on strengthens and exercises the brain, helping it remain the most powerful organ in the body.  This makes it an excellent activity for elderly individuals to do, as it serves as a way to communicate with both yourself and others when suffering from illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  It can also increase self-esteem, reminding you that you are loved and accomplished, all while helping you feel relaxed and focused.   

Another great thing about this activity is that you are not limited to just one type of memory.  Your scrapbooks do not necessarily have to be the big vacations you went on (although that is an excellent idea for a one.)  Your book can have memories as mundane as driving your kids to soccer practice, or it can even be just a simple selfie with your best friend.  As long as that memory makes you feel something that you want to remember for the rest of your life, then you should put it in your scrapbook.  

Although it is important to always be in the present, sometimes it isn’t a bad thing to look back at the past, and smile because of the things that happened to us in our lives.  As long as you don’t get hung up on the past, you can admire your memories, and allow them to remind you that your life has meaning.  If you want to turn your memories into art, then take out all of those old craft supplies, and scrapbook to your heart’s content.

If you are interested in starting your crafting journey, please visit cindysplace.ctmh.com, a Close To My Heart representative who will be more than happy to help you get started.