Ease Holiday Stress with Line and Pattern Drawing

As the holiday season creeps closer, it’s easy to feel like you’re already drowning in stress. Gift lists, school events, family gatherings—it’s a lot, right? And while you might be tempted to just power through, what if you gave yourself permission to pause for just a few minutes? This simple line and pattern drawing exercise can help you do just that.

We’re talking horizontal lines, patterns, and some added color. It’s not about making Pinterest-worthy art; it’s about giving yourself a mental break. You don’t need special supplies or skills—just grab whatever you have on hand. Let the lines calm your mind, and let the patterns guide you back to the present moment.

Here’s how to do it and why it’s a lifesaver for your mental health.

Why This Exercise Works for Your Mental Health

There’s something magical about drawing horizontal lines and patterns. Here’s why:

• Horizontal Lines Bring Stability
  Horizontal lines have a grounding effect on our minds. They mimic the horizon—calm, steady, and predictable. When life feels overwhelming, drawing these lines can subconsciously make you feel more anchored.
• Patterns Engage Your Mind
  Creating patterns engages your brain in a gentle, repetitive way. This allows your mind to focus on the present moment, pushing aside worries about the past or future. It’s like a mini-meditation session, but with art.
• Shading Adds Depth—Literally and Mentally
  Adding shading is not only visually satisfying but also mentally soothing. It encourages focus and attention to detail, which can help quiet a racing mind.
• Accessible for Everyone
  This exercise is so simple that anyone can do it—no special skills or supplies are needed. Plus, it’s a great activity to share with your kids if they’re looking for something creative to do.

Have fun with this line and pattern drawing exercise! 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), fineliners (Ohuhu), alcohol markers (ohuhu), washi tape.

Alternative supply suggestions:

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

How to Do This Horizontal Line Pattern Drawing Exercise

Step 1 – Dividing your page

Start by drawing a few horizontal lines across your page. Use a pencil, marker, or pen—whatever you have on hand.

The lines don’t need to be perfectly straight; wobbly lines add charm! These lines will divide your page into sections.

Step 2 – Add color

Grab some markers, colored pencils, or watercolors and fill each section with a different color. You can stick to a single color palette (like warm autumn tones) or mix it up with your favorite hues.

Don’t worry about staying perfectly inside the lines; the goal here is to relax.

Bonus tip: Drawing in one direction can feel even more relaxing. The repetitive motion will feel almost meditative.

Step 3 – Fill each section with simple patterns

Now, it’s time to fill each colored section with patterns. They don’t need to be complicated. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas:

• Dots: Fill the space with evenly spaced dots or scatter them randomly.
• Stripes: Draw parallel or wavy lines for a flowing effect.
• Circles: Overlap tiny circles for a fun texture.
• Hatch Marks: Add diagonal or crisscrossed lines for a grid-like look.

Encourage yourself to experiment—there’s no wrong way to do this.

Step 4 – Add depth with shading

To make your drawing pop, add some shading just under each horizontal line. Use a darker shade of the color you’ve already used or a neutral tone like gray.

This little step adds a sense of depth and makes your sections stand out beautifully.

Take a Pause Before the Chaos

As moms, we tend to push through the busiest seasons without taking a break. But this exercise reminds us to slow down, even if just for 10 minutes. You don’t need fancy supplies or perfect lines. You just need to start.

So grab a pen, some colors, and a piece of paper, and let horizontal lines guide you into a calmer, more focused state of mind. Because no matter how long your to-do list is, you deserve a moment to breathe.