Paper Therapy
Paper is one of man’s greatest inventions and because of this invention we can enjoy the benefits of paper therapy.
Journals, planners, notepads, drawing albums, and cards just to mention a few.
Today we have phones, tablets, computers, and digital boards that will create even more things in the future, so why should we keep using paper? Because, digital technology can’t fully integrate the uniqueness of handwriting and drawing.
In fact, writing on paper and reading a book will always be different experiences. Why? Because the physical action of handwriting or holding a book is very therapeutic.
It’s like your thoughts and emotions become concrete in the physical world.
So, here are some things you can do with paper to increase your mental and emotional peace!
Paper Therapy To-do lists
This one is a classic.
Writing down your to-dos is essential. Not only for your productivity but also for your mental peace.
Have you ever noticed that when you force yourself to remember things you feel anxious or stressed? By writing down everything you need to do or remember your mind will become quieter and at peace.
Besides having a daily to-do list, also make a weekly, monthly and yearly to-do.
Dreams and Goals Journal
Allow yourself to dream. Yes, we are dreaming creatures and it’s within our nature to dream. In fact, we actually suffer if we try to suppress our dreams.
Keep a dream journal to let your dreams express themselves through writing and images.
Never allow reality to stop you from dreaming. Remember that any dream can be fulfilled to some degree. For more on the topic of fulfilling your dreams, check out our post on Manifesting Your Best Life.
Mindfulness Journal
Get a journal or notebook and keep it as your Mindfulness Journal.
Write everything you want and feel.
You can either keep one notebook for everything or divide what you write into categories and keep them in different notebooks. Make one your want journal and the other your feel journal.
With this in mind, add more categories or insert your Dreams and Goals Journal too.
The Brain Dump Journal
Our minds are a never-ending source of thoughts that need cleaning along with a good shuffle every now and then.
You can’t erase your thoughts by writing them down, but it helps you “dump” these thoughts from floating around and distracting you. Basic paper therapy!
After a good brain dump session, you’ll have a calmer heart and mind.
Decision-Making and Mind Mapping Journal
When making difficult choices write and analyze the situation on paper. It’s very therapeutic and liberating!
How can you analyze a situation?
- describe the situation
- identify the cons
- recognize the pros
- find your possible decisions and their possible consequences
- make a mindful decision based on your analysis
Of course, not all decisions can be made by doing this, but it will help.
Keep a Planner
This is a paper therapy must!
Planning is the best thing you can do to live an effective life. You can’t plan everything, but you can plan most of everything.
Actually, planning is not controlling the future, but it is a roadmap that will guide you into getting the most out of your life.
What is more, it will save you time, money and effort.
Adult Colouring
This has been such a hit lately and for good reasons!
Colouring is relaxing fun and a big part of paper therapy. When your brain needs a break, colouring can provide a welcome and much-needed distraction.
Colouring enthusiasts or colourists claim that colouring makes them feel calmer, mentally clearer, happier, and more relaxed.
Doodling and Lettering
It is as calming as colouring, but you can do it with just pen and paper. Doodling purely for mindfulness is not about the picture you create, it’s about the journey you take creating the doodle.
You don’t have to create a piece of art, but who knows what will come out?
Notes
Write notes with inspirational and positive words and give them away. Think of it as giving paper therapy.
You can give them to your loved ones, or strangers. Leave them anywhere you go. The sky is the limit or maybe not?
Origami
Who said that you can use paper only for writing or drawing? You can also create beautiful sculptures with paper!
When creating origami, you have to be very precise and focused. So, the process of cutting and folding neatly is paper therapy at its finest. You can create animals, flowers, boxes and many other things.
Use this link for some beginner Origami Patterns.
Paper Therapy Planes
First and foremost, creating paper planes is a fantastic stressbuster. There’s something inherently soothing about the repetitive motions of folding paper.
It’s like a form of active meditation, allowing your mind to focus on the present and let go of your worries. As you crease and fold, you might find your anxiety gently floating away, much like a paper plane on a breeze.
Conclusion
So, paper was one of man’s greatest inventions but perhaps the use of paper for therapy is the one we should appreciate more.
Source: Lea Paligutan & Neuro Launch, Google
