Expressing yourself can help you keep in touch with how you are feeling. It can also help you release a lot of tension that you might be carrying around.
Ways of expressing yourself. Finding out the best way for you to express yourself can be rewarding. You might find that you enjoy expressing yourself in a particular way, like painting, doing an activity, singing, drumming or even yelling into a pillow. If you don’t know which way works best for you, try some of the following suggestions.
Write about how you feel. Writing can be a useful way to explore your feelings.
Get moving. Doing some kind of activity (like walking, running, weightlifting, jump rope, playing sports) allow you to express yourself with others and use your mental and physical energy.
Draw or paint. Even if you don’t think of yourself as an artist, drawing and painting are useful ways of expressing yourself.
Sing, play music or shout. Singing along to your favorite songs or playing a musical instrument is another way of expressing yourself.
Dance. Dance is a form of self-expression. Dance as much as you like in whatever way you like.
Contribute. Give back to your community by getting involved. Community service is a way to express your desires for your community and neighborhood. Click here to learn more about getting involved in your community.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
Special Thanks: Rebekka Meyer, Project Director at FirstPic, Inc.
