Mar 5

Mar 5 How Drawing Can Ease Anxiety

Getting out of your head is so important. There’s so much going on. I don’t know about you but I read the news and feel instant anxiety. Your sketchbook practice can help you.

Drawing isn’t just about making art. It’s about finding a little bit of calm in a busy world.

If you want to watch the process of this drawing, watch my Instagram Reel

I’m sure you can relate with this: it’s evening, almost bedtime. But your mind is still racing. It feels impossible to shut off the day’s thoughts. Or perhaps you’ve finished a long day of work, but your brain is still buzzing, refusing to unwind.

You might think, '“I’m too tired to do anything, let alone draw”. But what if I told you that picking up a pen and sketchbook could be exactly what you need to relax?

Sketchbook meditation

Drawing isn’t just about creating something; it’s about losing yourself in the process. It’s a form of meditation, a way to quiet the noise and focus on the present moment.
You don’t even need a clear idea of what you want to draw. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple sketch to shift your mindset.

Too tired or too wired?

I found myself in that familiar state of restlessness after a long day. My husband had just settled onto the sofa, relaxed after his running group training.

Double page ink drawing of a man reading on the couch, cup of tea in hand, blanket over his legs, feet forward toward the viewer. Foreshortening is captured in the drawing.

I opened my sketchbook thinking, “I’m too tired for this”.
Still, I took out my Brushpen. Started with drawing one toe, then another, and kept going.

I enjoyed drawing the foreshortening that I saw.
Before I knew it, all the thoughts were gone. My brain settled down. I landed into the moment. What a treat.

The act of drawing became a form of mindfulness, grounding me in the moment.

A very powerful tool. To get out of your head and bring you in the moment.

Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just unable to switch off, drawing can be a gentle way to ease your mind. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it doesn’t even have to make sense. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece but to find a moment of stillness.

Give it a try. Your mind (and your inner artist) will thank you.