Our lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus (COVID-19). We probably used to grumble about our routines, but now we would give anything to have our “routine” lives back. How do we adapt to our new normal, especially as we practice social distancing?
The arts have helped people cope since the beginning of time. Even in the midst of plagues and world wars, people have sung, danced, painted, acted and played instruments. People continue to create especially in hard times because creative activities connect us, help us express feelings, calm us down and lift our spirits.
The good news is we are all creative; anyone can engage in the arts. Here are a few creative ideas for you and your family to try:
Music
- Listen. Pick ten of your favorite songs and listen to them. If you don’t have the CD or mp3, check out YouTube. Pick some to sing and dance along! No one cares if you have a great voice or if you dance like Elaine on “Seinfeld.” Also, choose some calming songs; just close your eyes and breathe as you listen.
- Watch concerts. Lots of musicians are doing live concerts on social media. Find one of your favorites and watch and listen.
- Play. Got a piano in the corner, or a guitar in the closet? Play! If you don’t remember how, there are YouTube videos to get you started.
- Create a parody. Print out lyrics to a favorite song and replace some or all of the words. “Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson) might become “Since I Been Home.” Create a “Mad Lib” song game with your family by replacing key lyrics. Then, you can all sing the “new” song for a good laugh.
- Make instruments. Empty plastic ice cream tubs turned upside down, along with wooden spoons, become a drum set for the kids. Rice in plastic Easter eggs (taped closed) become maracas. Let them play their new instruments as they listen to favorite songs.
Art
- Mandala (circle). Trace a plate on paper to get a nice circle. Inside the circle you can draw, paint, or make a photo collage to express what you need – peace, calm and happiness.
- Postcard art. Grab some unlined 4” x 6” index cards or cardstock paper. Use colored pencils, markers or paints to decorate one side. When dry, turn it over and write a message to a friend or loved one, add their address and a stamp and drop it in the mail.
- Explore. Knit, crochet, make a collage out of old magazine photos. Even trying out new recipes can be creative!
- Sock puppets. Grab some old socks and have the kids create faces with a magic marker and decorate with yarn or ribbon. Create a story together with the puppets as the characters. They may express lots of feelings. Be supportive and encouraging.
- Make art supplies. Recipes for homemade slime, crayons, bath bombs, etc. are abundant online.
Engaging in the arts gives us a sense of normalcy when everything around us is not normal. They help us express fears and make us laugh. We hope that some of the suggestions above will help you and your family cope. Keep calm and create on!
About the Author
Tracy Richardson, Ph.D., is the dean of graduate therapy and counseling programs and director of the master of arts in music therapy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). She is a professor of music therapy and has taught at SMWC for 25 years. She received her bachelor of science degree in music therapy from SMWC. She completed her master of science in agency counseling and her doctorate degree in counselor education from Indiana State University.
Richardson served as chairperson of the department of music and theatre at SMWC for eight years. She spearheaded the creation of the master of arts in music therapy and the music therapy equivalency distance program, unique programs allowing students to pursue education in a format blending on-campus and online learning. Her music therapy practice focuses on those with mental health challenges. She serves the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) as an assembly delegate and member of the Commission on the Education and Clinical Training of the 21st Century Music Therapist. Richardson is an active singer-songwriter.
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