Wellness & Creative Arts Therapy

I wear a few different hats. I've been a professional photographer for 20 years now, and I'm also a healthcare worker - a Registered Nurse.  I have worked mainly in the realm of addictions and mental health as well as concentrated in that area in graduate school, so wellness practices are something I teach others about and something I need to do myself.

As an accredited food photographer, which includes food styling and cooking, I signed up for a clay wheel pottery class to try to build some skills with creating dishes that can be used in food styling.  Throwing vessels on a wheel is such a grounding activity. Some are using this medium of art therapy for things like anxiety and depression.

A few classes into the course, the rest of the students and myself were talking and we realized that half of the students were healthcare workers doing the same thing that I was - looking after our wellness. Healthcare workers have been through an extraordinary few years.

Building wellness practices into your daily routine is important. Photography is also a practice and expressive art that can build wellness by helping with mindfulness and focus. 

What are some of your wellness practices?