5-Minute Relaxation: Simple Pattern Drawing

Discover how to de-stress with simple pattern drawing. A quick, 5-minute relaxation exercise perfect for busy moms needing a creative pause.

Finding time for yourself can be challenging in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially as a busy mom. That’s why I want to share a simple yet effective, art exercise that you can do in just 5 minutes. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a quick mental reset.

Have fun with this simple pattern drawing exercise! Please let me know if you’ve tried this one; I would love to see it.

You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown

The Mental Health Benefits:

This exercise is more than just a creative pastime; it’s a form of self-care that offers several mental health benefits:

• Mindfulness: The repetitive motion of drawing patterns helps anchor you in the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Creativity Boost: Engaging in artistic activities stimulates the brain, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Emotional Regulation: Focusing on a simple task like this can help regulate your emotions, providing a sense of calm and balance.
• Achievement: Completing this quick art exercise, even in just 5 minutes, can give you a sense of accomplishment, boosting your mood and self-esteem.

Supplies used:

Bristol paper (BeCreativeShop), alcohol markers (ohuhu), fineliner 0.3, 1.0 (Ohuhu), fineliner 0,03 (Edding).

Alternative supply suggestions:

You can use any material for this exercise, such as colored pencils, crayons, or a pencil. 

Instructions:

Step 1 – Drawing wavy lines

Before you start, slowly breathe in and out a few times to clear your head. Then, bring yourself to the present, away from all the day-to-day stress.

Start by drawing several wavy vertical lines across your page. Let these lines flow freely; there’s no need for them to be perfect.

The waves in these lines are like the ebbs and flows of our daily emotions.

Step 2 – Adding simple patterns

Next, choose a line and start adding a simple pattern to it. This could be anything that feels natural to your hand – leaves, dots, squiggles, or simple zigzags. The key is to make the movement repetitive, which is calming and meditative.

Move on to the next line with either the same pattern or a different one. Remember, the goal is to relax and enjoy the process, not to create a masterpiece.

Step 3 – Adding color

Once you’ve patterned all your lines, you can add a touch of color if you wish. This is a chance to bring a little vibrancy to your creation, but it’s also perfectly fine to leave it in black and white.

Next time you find yourself with just a few minutes to spare, try this wavy line and pattern exercise. It’s a perfect way to take a mental breather and recharge your batteries. And remember, even the smallest creative act can have a significant impact on your well-being.

Have you tried this exercise? Feel free to share your experience or your artwork in the comments below. If you know a mom who could use a quick, creative break, don’t forget to share this post with them!

Take good care, and happy creating!