Tanya Dutt

Bug Bites On Your Feet? Tips To Relieve The Itch And Swelling

<span>Bug bite</span>s on your foot are annoying and might cause swelling, itching, or even allergic reactions that might be more serious. Knowledge about the type of bug bite and the right treatment helps one manage symptoms effectively, reducing complications. Whether you hike in the woods, hang out in your backyard, or indoors, awareness and rapid response save the day.

Bug bites happen when an insect or arachnid must bite or sting to defend themselves or feed. Venom or saliva from a bug often triggers the allergic response in a body, which causes redness, swelling, or itchiness. In rare occasions, severe allergic reactions have to be treated right away. Bug bites on your foot can range from mildly irritating to potentially serious. Identify the type of bite, then act quickly with the appropriate treatment to ease symptoms and avoid complications.

Prevention by avoiding bug bites is still the best defense, and knowing how to identify and how to treat them is the way towards quick relief.

Symptoms: Small, round, puffy bumps that turn discoloration, harden, and become itchy. Often clustered.

 · Wash the affected area using soap and water.

 · Apply anti-itch cream or calamine lotion.

 · Cold compress can be given to reduce swelling.

- Do not scratch as this can lead to secondary infection. 

Symptoms: Tender, inflamed areas that may become blistered on top. May be burning or itchy.

 - Use hydrocortisone cream to treat itching and swelling. 

 - Use an over-the-counter antihistamine to treat itching.

- Do not puncture the blisters since it could cause infection. 

Symptoms: Multiple itchy welts within a colored ring, primarily on the lower legs and feet. 

 - Wash the affected area with soap and water. 

 - Use anti-itch cream or steroid ointment. 

 - Take oral antihistamines if necessary to treat serious allergic responses.

4. Bedbug Bites Symptoms: Red, swollen areas with dark red centers, often in lines or clusters on exposed skin like hands, neck, or feet. Treatment: - Wash the bites with soap and water. - Use calamine lotion or an antihistamine cream to soothe itching.

- If blisters do occur, do not scratch them but keep the area clean in order to avoid infections.

Symptoms: Intensely itchy rashes, which tend to appear as welts, blisters, or pimples. It appears mostly near skin folds or in tight clothing areas, such as around the top of socks.

Treatment: - Take a hot shower and wash the affected area.

- Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching. 

 - Avoid scratching, as this can worsen irritation or cause infection. 

Symptoms: Pain or swelling, sometimes with a rash, burning sensation, or blisters. The tick may remain attached to the skin. 

- Use tweezers to carefully pull out the tick with the head completely out. - Wash with soap and water. - Use an antiseptic. - Look for signs of Lyme disease, like a bull's-eye rash or flu-like symptoms, and contact a healthcare provider if any occur.

Symptoms: A sharp, burning sensation at the time of the bite, followed by swelling, itching, and sometimes bruising. 

 - Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. 

 - Use an antihistamine cream for itching. 

 - If bruising persists, consult a doctor. 

While most bug bites are relatively harmless, be on the lookout for an extreme reaction, which can be characterized by: A large swelling or rash. Muscle pain or the inability to breathe. Numbness or tingling around the area where the bite occurred. Heat emanating from the bite area.

If these symptoms are noticed, call for immediate medical attention. Severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are considered life-threatening and require emergency attention. 

Avoidance of bites is usually the best defense. Here's how to keep them at bay: 

- Wear protective clothing like socks and closed-toe shoes when outdoors. 

- Use insect repellents containing DEET or natural alternatives like citronella. 

- Keep your surroundings clean to avoid attracting bugs like fleas or bedbugs. 

- Avoid walking barefoot in grassy or wooded areas.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

tick bites symptoms

bug bite

bug bite on foot

Which bug has bitten me

Types of bugs

Itchy swollen foot

What Your Child Eats Could Influence Their First Menstrual Cycle, Study Shows

Number Of Depressed Adults Increased In US During Pandemic

World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025: Theme, Significance, and History

Health & Wellness

Yoga Poses That Can Build Core Strength

Biotin-Rich Foods You Should Add To Your Diet

Unexpected Physical Signs Of Stress

Simple And Affective Guide To Stop A Panic Attack

Signs Of Heat Exhaustion In Children

10 Heart Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Lower Your Cholesterol With These Foods

Food Myths You Should Stop Believing

Work Stressing You Out? Tips To Handle Toxic Workspaces

Looking To Gain Weight? High-Calorie Healthy Foods To Try

​Pomegranates Are A Must For Summer, Here’s Why​

​How Does Being A Night Owl Change Your Brain​

​Can Nightlights Affect Your Child’s Sleep​

How To Decide Whether You Should Do Cardio Or Strength Training?

Enjoying Hobbies As An Adult Is More Important Than You Realize

Screentime Matters For Parents Too, Here's How It Causes Issues

Why Should We Discard Expired Prescription Drugs?

Perks Of Having Home Plants For Your Health

Signs You Are Dealing With Depleted Mother Syndrome

Protein-Rich Fruit Smoothies You Must Try

Ways You Can Reach Out To Someone In A Mental Health Crisis

These Things Are Causing You To Lose Sleep

10 Healthy Soups That Support Weight Loss

Easy Lunch Ideas For People With Type 2 Diabetes

9 Bodyweight Exercises To Boost Strength Anytime, Anywhere

Iron-Rich Foods Every Woman Should Include in Her Diet

Ayurvedic Foods To Cool Your Body Naturally

10 Ways Fluctuating Cortisol Levels Can Affect You Physically

Unexpected Factors That Affect Your Blood Sugar

Foods People With PCOS Should Avoid

Do Sleep Trackers Actually Work? Things You Should Know About

Avoiding These Proteins Is Causing Your Health To Deteriorate

Not Sure Whether It Is Fatigue Or Burnout? Answer These 10 Questions

Experiencing Drained Energy Mid-Day? 10 Ways To Fix It

Common Hair Care Habits That Are Causing You Hair Damage

Signs You May Have Avoidant Personality Disorder

These Foods Seem Healthy But Add Unexpected Calories To Your Diet

Is It Safe To Exercise In This Heat? Risks And Precautions To Remember

Prepare For Severe Heatwave - Make These Changes To Your Diet

Heatwave Traveling: Health Safety Tips You Should Keep In Mind

Bug bites on your foot are annoying and might cause swelling, itching, or even allergic reactions that might be more serious. Knowledge about the type of bug bite and the right treatment helps one manage symptoms effectively, reducing complications. Whether you hike in the woods, hang out in your backyard, or indoors, awareness and rapid response save the day.Bug bites happen when an insect or arachnid must bite or sting to defend themselves or feed. Venom or saliva from a bug often triggers the allergic response in a body, which causes redness, swelling, or itchiness. In rare occasions, severe allergic reactions have to be treated right away. Bug bites on your foot can range from mildly irritating to potentially serious. Identify the type of bite, then act quickly with the appropriate treatment to ease symptoms and avoid complications.Prevention by avoiding bug bites is still the best defense, and knowing how to identify and how to treat them is the way towards quick relief.Common Bug Bites and Their Treatments1. Mosquito BitesSymptoms: Small, round, puffy bumps that turn discoloration, harden, and become itchy. Often clustered.Treatment: · Wash the affected area using soap and water. · Apply anti-itch cream or calamine lotion. · Cold compress can be given to reduce swelling.- Do not scratch as this can lead to secondary infection. 2. Fire Ant StingSymptoms: Tender, inflamed areas that may become blistered on top. May be burning or itchy.Treatment: - Wash the area with soap and water.  - Use hydrocortisone cream to treat itching and swelling.  - Use an over-the-counter antihistamine to treat itching.- Do not puncture the blisters since it could cause infection. 3. Flea BitesSymptoms: Multiple itchy welts within a colored ring, primarily on the lower legs and feet. Treatment - Wash the affected area with soap and water.  - Use anti-itch cream or steroid ointment.  - Take oral antihistamines if necessary to treat serious allergic responses.4. Bedbug Bites Symptoms: Red, swollen areas with dark red centers, often in lines or clusters on exposed skin like hands, neck, or feet. Treatment: - Wash the bites with soap and water. - Use calamine lotion or an antihistamine cream to soothe itching.- If blisters do occur, do not scratch them but keep the area clean in order to avoid infections.5. Chigger BitesSymptoms: Intensely itchy rashes, which tend to appear as welts, blisters, or pimples. It appears mostly near skin folds or in tight clothing areas, such as around the top of socks.Treatment: - Take a hot shower and wash the affected area.- Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching.  - Avoid scratching, as this can worsen irritation or cause infection. 6. Tick Bites Symptoms: Pain or swelling, sometimes with a rash, burning sensation, or blisters. The tick may remain attached to the skin. Treatment:- Use tweezers to carefully pull out the tick with the head completely out. - Wash with soap and water. - Use an antiseptic. - Look for signs of Lyme disease, like a bull's-eye rash or flu-like symptoms, and contact a healthcare provider if any occur.7. Horsefly BitesSymptoms: A sharp, burning sensation at the time of the bite, followed by swelling, itching, and sometimes bruising. Treatment:  - Clean the bite with soap and water.  - Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.  - Use an antihistamine cream for itching.  - If bruising persists, consult a doctor. When to Seek Medical AttentionWhile most bug bites are relatively harmless, be on the lookout for an extreme reaction, which can be characterized by: A large swelling or rash. Muscle pain or the inability to breathe. Numbness or tingling around the area where the bite occurred. Heat emanating from the bite area.If these symptoms are noticed, call for immediate medical attention. Severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are considered life-threatening and require emergency attention. Prevention TipsAvoidance of bites is usually the best defense. Here's how to keep them at bay: - Wear protective clothing like socks and closed-toe shoes when outdoors. - Use insect repellents containing DEET or natural alternatives like citronella. - Keep your surroundings clean to avoid attracting bugs like fleas or bedbugs. - Avoid walking barefoot in grassy or wooded areas.

bug bites on your feet? tips to relieve the itch and swelling

Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Nutrition

What Counts: Calories Or Carbs?

what counts: calories or carbs?

This Common Household Spice May Hinder How Medicine Reacts In Your Body

this common household spice may hinder how medicine reacts in your body

Can You Get Cancer By Eating Chicken?

can you get cancer by eating chicken?

10 Egg Health Myths We Thought Were True—But Aren't

10 egg health myths we thought were true—but aren't

Menstruation is a normal biological process that many women go through. In simpler terms, menstrual cycle (period) occurs when the uterus sheds its inner lining of blood and tissues each month. A regular period cycle happens every 28-35 days. While many women go through this, their periods are different from each other. While some women have periods in regular intervals, others may experience irregular periods, meaning their periods could be much more apart in days than the usual time. 

Usually, periods can start any time after the age of 8 and before 17 and it is the first sign of puberty. The Cleveland Clinic explains that first periods, that menarche, which symbolizes the fact that your body is mature enough to grow a fetus. There are many things that can influence menarche like hereditary, your genes could play a part in when you period starts, hormones, body composition, health etc. A new study published in the <span>Human Reproduction</span> journal showed that there is a possible connection between a child's diet and the timing of puberty. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What They Eat Can Affect Periods</span> </h2>

Researchers found that for girls, eating more foods that can cause swelling inside the body might lead to their first period starting sooner. These kinds of foods are sometimes called "inflammatory." The study showed that girls who ate more of these foods had a 15% higher chance of getting their first period in the next month. This suggests that what girls eat could have a quick effect on when they reach this important milestone in their development. It highlights how diet might have a direct impact on the body's timing. 

Inflammatory foods are types of food that can cause ongoing swelling throughout your body, known as chronic, systemic inflammation. These foods include things like red and processed meats, commercially baked goods, white bread and pasta, deep-fried foods, and items high in added sugar or sugar-sweetened drinks. Eating a lot of these foods might make inflammation worse, which has been linked to health problems like heart disease and diabetes. So, choosing to eat less of these could be better for your overall health. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Healthier Diets Associated</span> with Later Onset </h2>

On the other hand, the study also found that eating a healthier diet seemed to push back the timing of a girl's first period. When girls ate more nutritious foods, the chances of them getting their first period in the next month went down by about 8%. This suggests that a good diet might help the body develop at a slightly slower pace when it comes to puberty. 

The researchers studied data of over 7,500 kids between the ages of 9 and 14. They discovered that the link between diet and when girls got their first period was still there even when they considered the kids' body size. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way to estimate body fat based on height and weight. The fact that the connection remained even after considering BMI suggests that it's not just about being bigger that causes earlier puberty; something else in an unhealthy diet might be playing a role. 

<h2>Dietary Recommendations for Children </h2>

The access to healthy foods plays a really important role. They stressed that it's really important for all kids and teenagers to have access to healthy food. The researchers pointed out that the food served at schools for breakfast and lunch should follow good, science-backed guidelines. This would help make sure that all children have the chance to eat nutritious meals, which could have a positive impact on their health and development, including when they start puberty. Making healthy food available to everyone is a big step. 

things that affect first periods

healthier diets associated

human reproduction

food can Influence Their First Menstrual Cycle

What They Eat Can Affect Periods

Healthy foods can delay periods

Menstruation is a normal biological process that many women go through. In simpler terms, menstrual cycle (period) occurs when the uterus sheds its inner lining of blood and tissues each month. A regular period cycle happens every 28-35 days. While many women go through this, their periods are different from each other. While some women have periods in regular intervals, others may experience irregular periods, meaning their periods could be much more apart in days than the usual time. Usually, periods can start any time after the age of 8 and before 17 and it is the first sign of puberty. The Cleveland Clinic explains that first periods, that menarche, which symbolizes the fact that your body is mature enough to grow a fetus. There are many things that can influence menarche like hereditary, your genes could play a part in when you period starts, hormones, body composition, health etc. A new study published in the Human Reproduction journal showed that there is a possible connection between a child's diet and the timing of puberty. What They Eat Can Affect Periods Researchers found that for girls, eating more foods that can cause swelling inside the body might lead to their first period starting sooner. These kinds of foods are sometimes called "inflammatory." The study showed that girls who ate more of these foods had a 15% higher chance of getting their first period in the next month. This suggests that what girls eat could have a quick effect on when they reach this important milestone in their development. It highlights how diet might have a direct impact on the body's timing. What Are Inflammatory Foods? Inflammatory foods are types of food that can cause ongoing swelling throughout your body, known as chronic, systemic inflammation. These foods include things like red and processed meats, commercially baked goods, white bread and pasta, deep-fried foods, and items high in added sugar or sugar-sweetened drinks. Eating a lot of these foods might make inflammation worse, which has been linked to health problems like heart disease and diabetes. So, choosing to eat less of these could be better for your overall health. Healthier Diets Associated with Later Onset On the other hand, the study also found that eating a healthier diet seemed to push back the timing of a girl's first period. When girls ate more nutritious foods, the chances of them getting their first period in the next month went down by about 8%. This suggests that a good diet might help the body develop at a slightly slower pace when it comes to puberty. The researchers studied data of over 7,500 kids between the ages of 9 and 14. They discovered that the link between diet and when girls got their first period was still there even when they considered the kids' body size. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way to estimate body fat based on height and weight. The fact that the connection remained even after considering BMI suggests that it's not just about being bigger that causes earlier puberty; something else in an unhealthy diet might be playing a role. Dietary Recommendations for Children The access to healthy foods plays a really important role. They stressed that it's really important for all kids and teenagers to have access to healthy food. The researchers pointed out that the food served at schools for breakfast and lunch should follow good, science-backed guidelines. This would help make sure that all children have the chance to eat nutritious meals, which could have a positive impact on their health and development, including when they start puberty. Making healthy food available to everyone is a big step. 

what your child eats could influence their first menstrual cycle, study shows

Ishita Roy

Number of depressed adults increased in US during pandemic

Health News

New Possible Measles Exposure Hits Austin Weeks After CDC Buried Forecast Stressing Need For Vaccinations

new possible measles exposure hits austin weeks after cdc buried forecast stressing need for vaccinations

Color, Clay And Catharsis: Healing Your Mental Health With This Childlike Ritual Backed By Psychologists

color, clay and catharsis: healing your mental health with this childlike ritual backed by psychologists

These Are The 10 Most Obese States In US

these are the 10 most obese states in us

Does Chemotherapy Cause Dementia?

does chemotherapy cause dementia?

A new research published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed a troubling rise in depressive symptoms among US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is led by Dr Kosuke Inoue from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The researcher analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which covered a period from 2013 to 2023. The findings are based on responses from 23,040 adults aged 20 and above. The data was assessed using the widely recognized 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, which is a standard tool used to screen for <span>depression</span>. 

As per the study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms have increased from 8.2% before the pandemic (2013 - 2020) to 12.3% during the pandemic (2021-2023). Even after adjusting for ongoing trends over the decade, the researchers found 3.5 percentage point increase in depression rates. This rise reflects the deep psychological impact the pandemic has had, as isolation, uncertainty, grief, and economic stress took a toll on <span>mental health</span> across the country.

<h4>Young Adults Experienced Depressive Symptoms</h4>

The increase was particularly stark among younger adults. For individuals aged 20 to 44 years, depressive symptoms rose by 6 percentage points, while those aged 65 and older saw only a 1.1 percentage point increase. This generational difference could be due to a range of factors—job instability, disrupted social lives, educational setbacks, and growing financial pressures—all of which disproportionately affected younger adults during the pandemic.

However, the study pointed out that there had been no significant variation in the rise of depressive symptoms based on sex, race, and ethnicity, or even income level. This also suggests that while certain age groups were more vulnerable, the mental health impact of the pandemic was widespread and crossed typical demographic boundaries. 

<h4>A Call for Mental Health Reform </h4>

The authors emphasize the urgent need to expand access to mental health care in the United States. They highlight ongoing issues such as the shortage of mental health professionals and low participation of behavioral health practitioners in insurance plans. Without addressing these systemic problems, the growing mental health burden may remain unmet, especially as the long-term effects of the pandemic continue to unfold.

This study paints a clear picture: depression is on the rise, and the pandemic has accelerated the trend. With younger adults showing a sharp increase in symptoms, and no significant demographic group untouched, there is an urgent need for policy-level changes to ensure mental health care is accessible, affordable, and adequately staffed in the years to come.

depression

health and wellness

health news

mental health

us news

A new research published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed a troubling rise in depressive symptoms among US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is led by Dr Kosuke Inoue from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The researcher analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which covered a period from 2013 to 2023. The findings are based on responses from 23,040 adults aged 20 and above. The data was assessed using the widely recognized 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, which is a standard tool used to screen for depression. A rise In Depression RatesAs per the study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms have increased from 8.2% before the pandemic (2013 - 2020) to 12.3% during the pandemic (2021-2023). Even after adjusting for ongoing trends over the decade, the researchers found 3.5 percentage point increase in depression rates. This rise reflects the deep psychological impact the pandemic has had, as isolation, uncertainty, grief, and economic stress took a toll on mental health across the country.Young Adults Experienced Depressive SymptomsThe increase was particularly stark among younger adults. For individuals aged 20 to 44 years, depressive symptoms rose by 6 percentage points, while those aged 65 and older saw only a 1.1 percentage point increase. This generational difference could be due to a range of factors—job instability, disrupted social lives, educational setbacks, and growing financial pressures—all of which disproportionately affected younger adults during the pandemic.However, the study pointed out that there had been no significant variation in the rise of depressive symptoms based on sex, race, and ethnicity, or even income level. This also suggests that while certain age groups were more vulnerable, the mental health impact of the pandemic was widespread and crossed typical demographic boundaries. A Call for Mental Health Reform The authors emphasize the urgent need to expand access to mental health care in the United States. They highlight ongoing issues such as the shortage of mental health professionals and low participation of behavioral health practitioners in insurance plans. Without addressing these systemic problems, the growing mental health burden may remain unmet, especially as the long-term effects of the pandemic continue to unfold.Why Such Studies Are Important?This study paints a clear picture: depression is on the rise, and the pandemic has accelerated the trend. With younger adults showing a sharp increase in symptoms, and no significant demographic group untouched, there is an urgent need for policy-level changes to ensure mental health care is accessible, affordable, and adequately staffed in the years to come.

number of depressed adults increased in us during pandemic

World's Oldest Woman Shares The Secret To A Healthy Life

world's oldest woman shares the secret to a healthy life

Can Your Neurons Change Based On Your Experiences?

can your neurons change based on your experiences?

Common Night-Time Issue Could Be An Unexpected Symptom Of Diabetes

common night-time issue could be an unexpected symptom of diabetes

When was the last time you let yourself play truly, freely, without worrying about looking silly or being judged? From picking up a paintbrush, dancing like no one's watching, or scribbling with crayons like you did as a child. Feels a little strange, doesn’t it? But what if we told you that this very act of tapping into your inner child could be the key to unlocking emotional healing and building resilience in adulthood?

In this high-pressure, fast-paced world, we’re so consumed by adult responsibilities that we often forget one simple truth: healing doesn’t always happen through words or logic, it can also happen through play and art. Welcome to the world of <span>expressive arts therapy</span>, where your imagination leads the way to emotional release, self-discovery, and deep healing.

None of us are necessarily born with the wisdom, responsibility, and emotional intelligence of adulthood. We develop these roles over time, experience, and sometimes, hurt. But in between freedom of childhood and the boundaries of adulthood, many of us forget the essence of whom we used to be the spontaneous, curious, expressive inner child.

That inner child, though, never really goes away. For others, it's buried under years of trauma, societal norms, and emotional repression. The <span>mental health</span> world is now waking up to the value of getting back in touch with this inner child — and one of the most powerful, affordable, and fun ways is through playful art.

Inner child work is a therapeutic approach rooted in the understanding that childhood experiences shape adult behavior. It’s a process of identifying past emotional wounds, acknowledging unmet needs, and “reparenting” oneself with compassion and understanding.

Imagine this: You are five, you trip during recess, and people laugh. You might not recall the event itself, but the hurt of humiliation and the commitment to never again risk embarrassment may affect your adult life in ways you're not even aware of. You might shun public speaking, avoid being vulnerable, or stay away from leadership — all because of an old unresolved memory.

This is where <span>inner child healing</span> becomes useful. It enables you to recognize such emotional imprints and greet your younger self with compassion, rather than criticism.

As Pablo Picasso famously said, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." For a lot of expressive arts therapists, this statement isn't merely symbolic — it's a guiding reality.

"Art helps unpack traumas that words can't always access," says Gunjan Adya, a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist. "Adults don't get to play much. They're trapped in a loop of duties and routines, and they're often detached from their feelings. Art provides an arena in which to feel, to convey, and above all, to heal."

Art is a secure, non-verbal means by which we can re-encounter lost aspects of ourselves. Making — whether drawing, painting, dancing, sculpting, or writing poetry — provides an expression for repressed feelings and a way to understanding ourselves.

<h2>Why Adults Need to Make Time for Child-Play?</h2>

As we grow older, play becomes secondary to productivity. Schedules, careers, and family responsibilities leave little time for imagination. But this privation has a cost — chronic stress, burnout, and emotional disconnection.

Gunjan adds, "Creating something, even imperfectly, makes us happy. Humans are born nurturers. The process of making — be it a piece of clay sculpture or a doodle — is a process of nurturing ourselves. It's meditative, emotionally calming, and deeply therapeutic."

Science substantiates this. Art therapy reduces cortisol levels, enhances mood, and increases cognitive flexibility, found studies. Unlike verbal-based therapies, expressive art therapy also has open arms to those who would find it challenging to put thoughts into words. 

Gunjan says there's no one-size-fits-all solution. "For some, painting with color on canvas is therapeutic. Others might find it through dance or sculpture. Through art, individuals have an opportunity to express themselves for what they feel inside — many times not even realizing that until later.

Dance releases emotion through the body. Sculpting invites patience and being present. Poetry writing orders and understands feelings. All modalities provide a unique quality of access to the self. Perfection isn't the objective, but discovery of emotion.

When adults permit themselves to do the same without censorship, they relink with the spontaneous, risk-taking essence of their youth — the same essence that long ago showed them how to find joy, venture, and dream.

While art is often viewed as a hobby, in the context of mental health, it becomes a transformative tool. Adults facing grief, burnout, anxiety, or past trauma can benefit immensely from incorporating art into their routine — even in small doses.

Tips for starting your inner child healing through art:

<ul><li>Choose an art form that resonates — it could be painting, collage, dancing, or even adult coloring books.</li><li>Carve out non-negotiable time for creation, without expectations or productivity targets.</li><li>Let your art be guided by intuition. What colors attract you? What shapes feel comfortable? What movement feels liberating?</li><li>Look at what you created — not to critique, but to see the emotions behind it.</li></ul>

You don't need to be an artist. You just need to be open.

Getting back in touch with your inner child isn't regression, it's integration. It's a strong, research-supported journey to healing adult hurts by giving yourself what you might have lacked as a child: freedom, creativity, and unconditional self-acceptance.

As Gunjan so eloquently says, "Art speaks to emotions we've silenced. When adults give themselves permission to play, they begin to truly heal."

<em>Gunjan Adya is a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist and Founder at Tula Journey in India</em>

inner child healing

art therapy benefits

expressive arts therapy

trauma healing through art

adult emotional wellness

mental health art practices

self-healing through creativity

When was the last time you let yourself play truly, freely, without worrying about looking silly or being judged? From picking up a paintbrush, dancing like no one's watching, or scribbling with crayons like you did as a child. Feels a little strange, doesn’t it? But what if we told you that this very act of tapping into your inner child could be the key to unlocking emotional healing and building resilience in adulthood?In this high-pressure, fast-paced world, we’re so consumed by adult responsibilities that we often forget one simple truth: healing doesn’t always happen through words or logic, it can also happen through play and art. Welcome to the world of expressive arts therapy, where your imagination leads the way to emotional release, self-discovery, and deep healing.None of us are necessarily born with the wisdom, responsibility, and emotional intelligence of adulthood. We develop these roles over time, experience, and sometimes, hurt. But in between freedom of childhood and the boundaries of adulthood, many of us forget the essence of whom we used to be the spontaneous, curious, expressive inner child.That inner child, though, never really goes away. For others, it's buried under years of trauma, societal norms, and emotional repression. The mental health world is now waking up to the value of getting back in touch with this inner child — and one of the most powerful, affordable, and fun ways is through playful art.What Is Inner Child Work?Inner child work is a therapeutic approach rooted in the understanding that childhood experiences shape adult behavior. It’s a process of identifying past emotional wounds, acknowledging unmet needs, and “reparenting” oneself with compassion and understanding.Imagine this: You are five, you trip during recess, and people laugh. You might not recall the event itself, but the hurt of humiliation and the commitment to never again risk embarrassment may affect your adult life in ways you're not even aware of. You might shun public speaking, avoid being vulnerable, or stay away from leadership — all because of an old unresolved memory.This is where inner child healing becomes useful. It enables you to recognize such emotional imprints and greet your younger self with compassion, rather than criticism.As Pablo Picasso famously said, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." For a lot of expressive arts therapists, this statement isn't merely symbolic — it's a guiding reality."Art helps unpack traumas that words can't always access," says Gunjan Adya, a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist. "Adults don't get to play much. They're trapped in a loop of duties and routines, and they're often detached from their feelings. Art provides an arena in which to feel, to convey, and above all, to heal."Art is a secure, non-verbal means by which we can re-encounter lost aspects of ourselves. Making — whether drawing, painting, dancing, sculpting, or writing poetry — provides an expression for repressed feelings and a way to understanding ourselves.Why Adults Need to Make Time for Child-Play?As we grow older, play becomes secondary to productivity. Schedules, careers, and family responsibilities leave little time for imagination. But this privation has a cost — chronic stress, burnout, and emotional disconnection.Gunjan adds, "Creating something, even imperfectly, makes us happy. Humans are born nurturers. The process of making — be it a piece of clay sculpture or a doodle — is a process of nurturing ourselves. It's meditative, emotionally calming, and deeply therapeutic."Science substantiates this. Art therapy reduces cortisol levels, enhances mood, and increases cognitive flexibility, found studies. Unlike verbal-based therapies, expressive art therapy also has open arms to those who would find it challenging to put thoughts into words. Which Art Forms Work Best?Gunjan says there's no one-size-fits-all solution. "For some, painting with color on canvas is therapeutic. Others might find it through dance or sculpture. Through art, individuals have an opportunity to express themselves for what they feel inside — many times not even realizing that until later.Dance releases emotion through the body. Sculpting invites patience and being present. Poetry writing orders and understands feelings. All modalities provide a unique quality of access to the self. Perfection isn't the objective, but discovery of emotion.When adults permit themselves to do the same without censorship, they relink with the spontaneous, risk-taking essence of their youth — the same essence that long ago showed them how to find joy, venture, and dream.How Art Helps Do Self-Repair?While art is often viewed as a hobby, in the context of mental health, it becomes a transformative tool. Adults facing grief, burnout, anxiety, or past trauma can benefit immensely from incorporating art into their routine — even in small doses.Tips for starting your inner child healing through art:Choose an art form that resonates — it could be painting, collage, dancing, or even adult coloring books.Carve out non-negotiable time for creation, without expectations or productivity targets.Let your art be guided by intuition. What colors attract you? What shapes feel comfortable? What movement feels liberating?Look at what you created — not to critique, but to see the emotions behind it.You don't need to be an artist. You just need to be open.Getting back in touch with your inner child isn't regression, it's integration. It's a strong, research-supported journey to healing adult hurts by giving yourself what you might have lacked as a child: freedom, creativity, and unconditional self-acceptance.As Gunjan so eloquently says, "Art speaks to emotions we've silenced. When adults give themselves permission to play, they begin to truly heal."Gunjan Adya is a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist and Founder at Tula Journey in India

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Bug Bites On Your Feet? Tips To Relieve The Itch And Swelling

Quick Stories

What Your Child Eats Could Influence Their First Menstrual Cycle, Study Shows

Number Of Depressed Adults Increased In US During Pandemic

Color, Clay And Catharsis: Healing Your Mental Health With This Childlike Ritual Backed By Psychologists

Health Conditions A-Z

What Your Child Eats Could Influence Their First Menstrual Cycle, Study Shows

Number Of Depressed Adults Increased In US During Pandemic

World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025: Theme, Significance, and History