How’s everyone doing today? 😊 We’re back this Tuesday, 9/17/24, at 3 AM ET, with a brand-new episode that we hope will bring some calm to your week. We’re sitting down with Susan Day, an art therapist from Australia 🇦🇺, to talk about how art therapy can help manage stress and anxiety. If life has been feeling a little overwhelming lately, this episode might be just what you need. 🎨 Also, don’t forget: September is Suicide Awareness Month. It’s a good reminder that you never have to go through tough times alone—help is always there. 💚
😓 Post-Vacation Stress Is Real 😓
Ever take a vacation hoping to come back refreshed, only to feel even more stressed? That’s where I’m at. 😩 We’re still tangled up in a mess from our Florida trip, including a fraud case with Wells Fargo (who’s saying it’s on us to fix it? 🙄), and a dealership mix-up with our car title. Between the emails and paperwork, my stress levels are through the roof—my eye’s been twitching non-stop! Thank goodness my wife’s helping with the car stuff while I wrestle with the bank.
But on a brighter note, I’m excited to attend the Lesbians Who Tech Conference in NYC this week! 🎉 Hopefully, a change of scenery will help lighten the load. Fingers crossed!
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
We’ve got some awesome news to share: “Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads” has been nominated for Best Mental Health Podcast at the Women in Podcasting Awards! 🏆 This wouldn’t be possible without your support. If you love what we’re doing, we’d be so grateful if you could cast a vote for us! Voting is open until October 1st, and you can do that here. 💪
Also, our podcast merch store is up and running! Get 20% off your first purchase by visiting our shop. Heads-up: the discount might not work on everything, but we appreciate your support as we build the store. 🙏
🎨 This Week’s Episode: Art Therapy for Stress Relief 🎨
This week’s episode features Susan Day, an art therapist from Australia, who’s here to show how art can be a powerful tool to ease stress and anxiety—even if you don’t consider yourself “artsy.” 🖌️ It’s not about creating a masterpiece; it’s about letting go and expressing what you’re feeling. Tune in for Susan’s tips on how creativity can be a form of mindfulness and healing.
✍️ Podcast Reflection Worksheet ✍️
To help you get the most out of the episode, we’ve created a Podcast Reflection Worksheet! 📝 After listening, use this worksheet to jot down your thoughts and key takeaways. It’s a great way to make sure the insights you hear turn into actionable steps in your life. Podcast Worksheet _9_17_24_Finding Calm in Chaos- Susan Talks Art Therapy for Anxiety.pdf
🖌️ Meet Susan Day 🖌️
Susan Day is an art therapist practitioner, author, and artist who believes in the transformative power of creativity. She’s published over five books on mindful art therapy and hosts her own podcast, where she offers free creative art sessions. Through her work, Susan helps people manage stress and find healing through art and writing. When she’s not working, Susan enjoys exploring in her campervan, walking her Border Collie, and cleaning up after her fluffy cat. 🐾
✨ Freebie Alert: Susan is offering a free guide to art therapy! Download it here to begin your creative journey to wellness. 🎁
1. Creativity for Stress Relief: You don’t need to be an artist to use art therapy—it’s all about using creativity to let go of stress. 2. Mindful Creation: The process of creating helps slow down the mind, similar to meditation. 3. Expressing Emotions Through Art: It’s not about the end result; it’s about expressing your emotions through the creative process.
✔️ Ways to Put This Episode Into Action ✔️
1. Spend 15 minutes each day doing something creative—doodle, paint, or even build with Legos. 2. Let colors and materials guide you based on your mood, without worrying about the outcome. 3. Set up a quiet, distraction-free space to let your creativity flow and see how it impacts your stress levels.
🗣️ Your Turn! 🗣️
Does creativity help you manage stress? We’d love to hear your stories! Drop us an email or tag us on social media—your journey could inspire someone else. 💌
⭐ Subscribe, Rate, & Review ⭐
If you’re loving the podcast, we’d be so grateful if you could subscribe and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more people who could use a little mental health boost. 🌟
🏁 Final Thoughts 🏁
We hope this week’s episode leaves you feeling lighter and more at peace. 💜 Remember, it’s okay to take time for yourself, and using creativity is a great way to quiet the chaos in your mind. You’ve got this, and help is always there if you need it. 💚
P.S. September is Suicide Awareness Month. If you’re struggling, reach out. 💚
"Art therapy allows people to express emotions that words cannot always capture. Through creativity, we can find a sense of calm amidst life's chaos and start the healing process from within."
With warmth and kindness,
G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Also, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the Episode and your own stories about overcoming mental health challenges. Connect with us on Social Media—our Links are below—and if our journey moves you, consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast. Your support means the world to us!
G-Rex & Dirty Skittles
It's ok to be not ok, just make sure you're talking to someone
