Art Therapy Project: The “Emotions and Focus Mandala for ADHD and Anxiety”

Mandalas are an easy and enjoyable art project that combines creativity with structure, making them ideal for improving focus and reducing anxiety. Their repetitive patterns encourage mindfulness and can help individuals with ADHD build executive functioning skills in a calming, engaging way.

Mandalas can be created by anyone, regardless of artistic talent, making them a non-threatening and approachable activity for children and adults alike.

This art therapy project is designed to help children, teens, or adults with ADHD and anxiety channel their energy, increase mindfulness, and explore their emotions through creativity.

Objective

• For ADHD: Improve focus, executive functioning, and self-expression by engaging in a structured yet creative activity.
• For Anxiety: Provide a calming, repetitive process that encourages relaxation and self-awareness.

Materials Needed

1. Large sheets of paper or a blank journal
2. Markers, colored pencils, crayons, or watercolor paints
3. Circular templates (e.g., plates, bowls) or a compass to draw a mandala outline
4. Stickers, sequins, or textured materials for embellishment (optional)
5. A quiet, distraction-free workspace

Steps

1. Set the Intention
   Begin with 3-5 minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness to ground yourself or the group. Discuss a positive intention, such as “I will focus on this moment,” or “I am exploring my emotions.”
2. Create the Mandala Base
   • Using a circular template or compass, draw a large circle on the paper.
   • Divide the circle into segments (like a pizza) using a pencil. These divisions will help create structure while allowing for creative expression.
3. Choose Themes or Prompts
   • For ADHD Focus: Assign each segment of the mandala a specific task or area of focus (e.g., “goals,” “things I love,” or “my ideal day”).
   • For Anxiety: Use prompts such as “things that calm me,” “my emotions today,” or “what safety feels like.”
4. Design the Mandala
   • Encourage free-form patterns, shapes, and colors that feel soothing or meaningful.
   • For children with ADHD, the repetition of patterns within the mandala helps build focus and a sense of accomplishment.
   • Include symbols or drawings that represent emotions or coping strategies, like a sun for happiness or a tree for growth.
5. Enhance the Mandala
   • Add stickers, textures, or layers for tactile engagement.
   • Write affirmations or calming phrases around the outer edge of the mandala, such as “I can stay calm and focused” or “I have the tools to succeed.”
6. Reflection
   • After completing the mandala, spend time discussing or journaling about the experience. Questions might include:
     • What did you notice about your focus or feelings while creating this?
     • Which parts of the mandala feel most meaningful to you?
     • How can this process help in your daily life?

Why This Works

• For ADHD: The repetitive patterns and structured creativity of mandalas engage the brain’s executive functioning skills. This can help improve focus, planning, and self-monitoring.
• For Anxiety: The circular form of the mandala and the act of filling it with calming imagery create a sense of containment and safety, helping reduce stress and promote mindfulness.

Adaptations

• Group Activity: Create a collaborative mandala where each participant contributes a section.
• Movement Integration: Incorporate body movement by having participants trace large mandalas on the floor or walls with chalk or paint.
• Digital Option: Use apps or digital drawing tools for creating mandalas, particularly for tech-savvy teens.

This project combines creativity with mindfulness, offering a powerful tool for emotional regulation and executive functioning. Would you like suggestions for specific prompts or modifications?