Arty-Folks

13/12/2025

"I'm too old to start a creative hobby now." we heard somebody say this week!

Seriously??!? Don't ever be fooled into thinking that your best years are behind you!

Creativity is not limited to the young. In fact, research has shown that it peaks in middle age, when you are over 40!

Being more mature, you will be much more in touch with subconscious processes and you will hold much deeper knowledge and experience.

At this age you are far less constrained by what was imposed upon you as a youngster. At this age you don't have to prove anything to anybody!

Shake yourself free, make yourself a list of new things you want to try in the next few months and go for it! And don't let anything stop you.

What have you got to loose?

12/12/2025

Do you mutter to yourself when you are alone?
It might not be quite as crazy as you think!

Apparently, research shows that muttering helps to de-stress and reduces cortisol release in your body. Your body treats suppressed emotion like a toxin and to get rid of it, it releases high levels of cortisol which then lowers your immune system.

On the other hand, speaking out loud signals to your body that you are venting, letting go, ex-pressing your stress. Don't we all know that suppressing or bottling emotions breeds more stress?

So maybe, when you talking things out loud to yourself it's not because you are unstable, but because unconsciously you are self-regulating your nervous system! 👏 👏 👏

11/12/2025

"I'm struggling to be nice with myself. I'm aware my self-respect isn't quite in the right place but where do I start?"

Our self-respect matters more than many of us realise because it shapes how you view and treat yourself.

Self-respect is living in a way that is consistent with your own values, and standing by yourself like a good friend, regardless what other people think or say!

As your own best friend you will be compassionate after a mistake, you will encourage and praise even the tiniest step in the right direction, and you will give yourself a gentle nudge when you're having a wobble.

In Arty-Folks sessions we often see self-respect grow through small creative choices like picking colours that feel true rather than impressive, accepting 'mistakes' as they are and as genuine expression of their self in the here and now.

"I have learnt that respecting myself can mean allowing myself to rest or pushing myself to turn up to Arty-Folks even when my anxiety screams to stay at home. But whatever my decision, I will stand by it!"

09/12/2025

"I keep replaying the most embarrassing moments in my life. They might have forgotten about it but I still feel humiliated and ashamed. That's the reason why I haven't gone out for years!"

Sadly, our brain is hard-wired to hold onto negative thoughts more tightly than positive ones. This negative bias is a built-in feature of human wiring, shaped by evolution and reinforced by modern stress. Understanding why this happens can help you break the cycle and regain control of your mental stories.

Long before smartphones existed, humans had one job: to survive. And that meant paying extremely close attention to anything that could cause harm because missing a potential threat could be fatal. Missing something positive on the other hand, like a pretty tree or a pleasant sound, rarely had as severe a consequence - so we don't pay attention.

Once negative thoughts take hold, they trigger a stress response. Dwelling on negativity often leads to the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, which sensitizes your brain to more negative cues in turn. Rumination is one of the strongest predictors of anxiety and depression because it keeps the stress response activated.

But you do have the power to reframe your thoughts!

"When I feel myself slipping into darkness I get my latest art project out and I focus on my hands and exploring what's possible."

08/12/2025

Do you have a bit of spare time?
Want to build your skills, confidence, and social connections?

According to the Civil Society small charities with an annual income of less than £50k are most affected by declines in trustee and volunteer numbers.

Volunteers and Trustees are the backbone and heart and soul of every charity. Get in touch with one of the many small charities local to you and see if you can help out. Anything you can contribute can make a massive difference!

At Arty-Folks we are lucky to have member volunteers who support our small staff team and also serve on the Board of Trustees. 🫶 You are amazing!

07/12/2025

"I've been feeling really angry lately about absolutely everything - from getting cut off in traffic to the news, but mainly I'm angry with people."

In moments of anger, we often feel certain that our position is right, both morally and factually. We believe we are right because we are angry.

But when we are angry we are prone to exaggeration, distortion, and self-justification. Anger doesn't always help us to see the true nature of what is happening around us.

And yet, anger can be a great source of empowerment - but we must learn to use it wisely!

06/12/2025

The ancient Greeks seem to have struggled with similar problems we have today, even without the internet!!!

2,000 years ago they invented the technique of 'Amor Fati' to reduce mental noise, emotional drama, worry and regret. And here's how it works if you want to try it:

'Amor Fati' means love of fate and it's about accepting injustices in life without getting wound up and directing your mental energy where you want it to be.

Stuck in traffic? Time to listen to a new podcast!
Noisy neighbours? Get our earphones out and listen to your fave tunes!
Argumentative kids? Get out and enjoy a spot of quiet gardening.

You can't always change what's happening around you but you can do your best to walk away from situations that bring you nothing positive.

Don't allow anybody to steal your sparkle! ✨

05/12/2025

"I'm stuck in a loop. I feel like drowning under endless notifications and yet I find it difficult not to respond."

Sounds familiar, right?

We're all craving for a simpler life but we don't know what that looks like anymore. It might not be moving to a cabin in the woods but about having mental clarity and a focus on what truly matters in your life wherever you are.

What techniques are you using to 'wean' yourself off all that noise?

The roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180AD) journalled every day just for 5minutes to deal with negative ruminations, doubts, and fears.
This practice helped him declutter his mind, nurtured his personal growth, and enabled him to greet the future with acceptance.

At Arty-Folks we use art to help us stop replaying the past and worrying about the future. And it doesn't take long before you can hear yourself think clearly again.

02/12/2025

"My mind sometimes just goes blank. It's like a thick brain fog where nothing gets through and it can last for days. I often worry if I'll ever function properly again."

We hope this can reassure you: scientists have found that it's the brain's natural way of protecting and restoring itself.

Recent research revealed that a blank mind may be closer to your brain’s default setting, while thinking and imagining are add-ons. Our brain is not designed to be switched on non-stop and working over-time. Brain fog may actually prevent you from burning out if you need rest, are anxious, or just need a break!

If you feel your brain slipping off into a twilight zone get your favourite art project ready! Gently focusing simply on what is in front of you and enjoying the activity without any pressure to achieve will help you stay grounded in the presence.

And remember - you've got this! ✨

01/12/2025

The gap between who men think they should be and who they are creates stress and poor mental health.

"I'm married with kids but I feel alone. Financial stress and all this negativity and uncertainty about the future is wearing me down. I've been described anti-depressants but they're dulling me and making me feel more hopeless."

There's been a growing conversation about the pressures men face today with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and su***de continually rising.

For generations, masculinity was defined by external markers such as strength by dominance, respect by providing material wealth, and toughness by suppressing emotion.

Today, men are invited to show their vulnerable side and to be open about their thoughts and feelings. But they don't have many examples or role models that show what that would look like and whether it is safe to change.

Increasingly more men attend Arty-Folks and we can see how the creative process helps them redefine themselves in a space where words aren’t required, and expression isn’t judged.

Art can help explore identity, loosen old definitions, and remind us that being human doesn’t mean being perfect.

30/11/2025

Has anyone read 'Let Them' by Mel Robbins?
What do you think? Could it work for you?

In essence, this book asks you to stop chasing validation by others and to put your trust in yourself. It's about accepting that we cannot control other people's thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, nor their actions, and that we should put ourselves first.

Would it work for you? Do you think letting people be who they are creates space for confidence, calm, and choices rooted in genuine self-trust?

We all have lost sleep over someone else's opinion and judgements of us! The 'Let Them' theory isn't about giving up or being passive; it is about recognising where your control ends and someone else's begins. Robbins believes this mental shift can transform our relationships, reduce anxiety, and help us focus energy where it truly matters: on our own growth and happiness.

However, this might work with people who just pass through our lives. But we cannot exist in isolation. We want people in our lives we love and some might even depend on us and vice versa.

Maybe what truly matters isn't only our own growth and happiness? Maybe we need to look after our community too? What do you think?

A thoughtful breakdown of key lessons from Mel Robbins 'The Let Them Theory', showing how release, not control, builds freedom and inner peace., Books, Times Now

29/11/2025

Parents of anxious teenagers are often told that talking therapies or counselling are the answer. But if your child has no words yet to describe how they are feeling and why?

In today’s fast-paced world, teenagers face more pressure than ever before. Anxiety in teens doesn’t always look like worry or panic. Sometimes it shows up as irritability, withdrawal, sleep issues, perfectionism, or even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches.

Parents can sense when something isn’t quite right, and, it's heart breaking to watch your child struggle and feel powerless to help.

Young people attending our Canvas to Change project say that the combination of being creative in a small group of peers and gentle 1:1 checking-in helps them find the visuals as well as words to express their internal turmoil.

Teenager need a neutral, safe, and non-judgemental space where they can develop their own voice. Being creative helps them lower the intensity of anxiety and give their nervous system a chance to settle. From there, it can feel safer for them to notice what they feel and choose what they want to share.

For more info: https://arty-folks.org.uk/events/canvas-to-change-3