Nowadays, worry just seems to be a part of life. It’s difficult to be present and appreciate the moment when our future is filled with so many unknown factors. The pandemic is continuing with no end in sight. So many people are struggling with lost jobs or job insecurity. There always seem to be curveballs in the political arena as well. If you find yourself struggling with excessive worry, this art-based therapy activity may help.
Containment boxes can be a tool to help manage thoughts that seem to just spin around in our minds and overwhelm us. You can create a mental containment box to imagine placing these thoughts in. Or, you can make a simple physical containment box to also exercise your creativity.
Origami is always a fun and unique mindfulness exercise. If you’d like directions on how to make an origami box, follow this link: https://www.origamiway.com/origami-box.shtml
I challenge my clients to be mindful as they create their box. Take note of how it feels to crease the paper. Notice any frustration or confusion that arises as you follow the directions and refrain from judging yourself. If it took you more than one try to get the box right, you aren’t alone!
After you finish your box, write affirmations and quotes that can help you to feel confident and grounded. You can also include imagery or symbols that have the same effect. On small pieces of paper, write out the things that are worrying you right now. One by one, stick these pieces of paper inside your box and close the box. Throughout the day, if you find yourself worrying excessively over something, write it out on a small piece of paper and stick it in the box. This box is meant to help you “contain” thoughts that may be causing anxiety or distress.
Now, if you have obsessive-compulsive tendencies, this activity may not be the best fit for you. Containment boxes are meant to be a symbolic way to manage thoughts. Don’t turn this into another compulsion! Instead, for any of you lovely people working through OCD, simply noticing your obsessive thoughts, and letting them eventually slip away may be your best strategy.
