Cozy Cup of Soothing Neurographic Drawing

As busy moms, it can be hard to find those rare quiet moments amidst the chaos of everyday life. But what if I told you that you could steal a few minutes for yourself, right between folding laundry and managing snack time?

This soothing neurographic drawing exercise combines the warmth of a cozy cup of tea with the calming flow of creative lines. It’s an accessible way to slow down and unwind, even if you’ve only got 10 minutes.

Why This Exercise Works Wonders for Your Mind

Neurographic drawing is a form of art therapy that combines freeform drawing with mindfulness. It involves creating flowing lines, often with a focus on rounding off sharp corners, which is thought to help soothe the mind and bring a sense of calm. By focusing on the repetitive movements of the pen and embracing the imperfections in the lines, you can shift your mind into a more relaxed, meditative state. It’s a simple yet effective way to let go of stress and focus on the present moment.

Life as a mom is filled with endless tasks, and sometimes, we’re so focused on everyone else that we forget to pause for ourselves. This exercise is like giving your mind a breather, even if just for a few minutes.

• Calm in the Chaos: The gentle flow of drawing those lines mimics the soothing act of breathing deeply. It helps to reduce stress by giving your brain a simple, repetitive motion to focus on.
• Embracing Imperfection: Rounding off corners and letting the lines flow freely reminds you that not everything needs to be controlled or perfect. It’s okay if your drawing isn’t symmetrical or looks a bit wobbly—just like life, it’s about the process, not the end result.
• Quick Creative Break: You don’t need to dedicate hours or have any special skills to enjoy this. A few minutes with a pen in hand, and you’ve got a little pocket of peace in your day.

Have fun with this soothing neurographic drawing! Please let me know if you’ve tried it; I would love to see it.

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

Supplies used:

Bristol paper (BeCreativeShop), Alcohol markers (Ohuhu), fineliner (Ohuhu), fineliner (Faber-Castell).

Alternative supply suggestions:

You don’t need to be an artist or have fancy tools. Just grab whatever you have—pens, markers, colored pencils, or even crayons.

Instructions for this soothing neurographic drawing:

Step 1 – Draw simple cup of tea

Start by sketching a simple cup shape on the lower part of your page. It doesn’t need to be perfect—remember, this is all about relaxing. Think of it as your cup of warmth, ready to send you into a calmer space.

Step 2 – Add freeform lines like smoke

Now, let your pen glide across the page, creating freeform lines that flow up from the cup like steam or smoke. Don’t think too much about where the lines should go—just let them be wild and wavy, as if they’re dancing in the air.

Step 3 – Round off the corners

Wherever your lines overlap or create sharp angles, gently round off those corners. This is a technique borrowed from neurographic art, and the act of smoothing out those edges is as soothing as a warm hug.

Take your time, focus on each intersection, and watch your drawing transform into something softer.

Step 4 – Add some color

Color in your cup if you like—maybe match it to your favorite real-life mug!

You can also add soft colors or patterns to the lines to create a more whimsical look. Think of these colors as little sparks of joy you’re adding to your day.

Now that your cup is surrounded by a gentle swirl of lines, take a moment to appreciate it. Sip your tea (or coffee) while you admire what you’ve created. It doesn’t need to be perfect—crooked lines and uneven shapes make it uniquely yours.