Easy Watercolor Therapy for Busy Moms

Discover easy watercolor therapy techniques designed for us busy moms to reduce stress and enhance mindfulness through simple, calming art exercises.

I don’t know about you, but I can use a bit of relaxation in this busy spring period. Finding moments for yourself can feel nearly impossible. But carving out time for a simple, creative activity like watercolor painting not only offers a necessary pause but can significantly reduce stress and boost your mental well-being.

This blog will guide you through a soothing watercolor exercise perfect for busy schedules. No need to be a pro—just a few lines and some colors to help you unwind.

Have fun with this easy watercolor therapy 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

Why This Exercise Works

Mental Health Benefits:

• Reduces Stress: The repetitive motion of painting lines is meditative, helping to clear your mind of clutter and reduce stress.
• Enhances Focus: Adding patterns requires concentration, which can improve your overall focus and attention to detail—skills that are valuable in every part of life.
• Boosts Mood: Completing a creative task provides a sense of accomplishment and can lift your spirits, especially on tough days.

Supplies used:

300grs Watercolor paper (Fabriano), Watercolor mineral marvels (Daniel Smith), fineliner (Ohuhu), white gelly roll pen (Sakura), paint brush (Prima Marketing), washi tape (MT) (not pictured).

Alternative supply suggestions:

You can also borrow some of the paint from your kids. Otherwise, you can use any supplies you have, such as colored pencils, crayons, markers, etc.

You can skip taping the sides if you don’t have washi tape. You could also draw or paint a border or leave it out altogether.

Instructions for this easy watercolor therapy exercise:

Step 1 – Prep your paper and lay down your color

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 securely taping the edges of your watercolor paper to a flat surface. This keeps the paper from buckling as it gets wet and creates a clean, fun-looking border around your artwork.

Dip your flat brush in water and then in your first color choice. Apply a horizontal line of paint at the top of your paper.

Step 2 – Add a second line

While the first line is still wet, choose a second color and apply it right below the first line, allowing the colors to touch and blend naturally at the edges. The water will help them merge beautifully.

Step 3 – Build your palette

Continue adding lines with varying colors or shades, working your way down the paper. With each new stripe, aim to overlap slightly with the previous one to enhance the blending effect. This process isn’t just visually satisfying—it’s incredibly calming as you watch the colors flow into each other.

Step 4 – Adding patterns

Once you’ve filled your paper with colorful stripes, give it time to dry completely. This might be a good moment to step away, refill your coffee, or take a few minutes to breathe and enjoy the peace.

After your painting has dried, take a finer pen or marker and add simple patterns to some lines. You can add dots, dashes, waves, or whatever feels right. This part of the exercise enhances focus and mindfulness as you detail your work. Remember, the patterns don’t need to be complicated. Some simple lines or dots are enough. It’s the repetitive motion of the pattern that calms your mind, not the complexity of the pattern.

Remove the tape to reveal your finished piece with its neat borders. Take a moment to appreciate your work and the personal time you managed to claim in your hectic day.

This easy watercolor therapy exercise is more than just an art activity; It’s like a chill pill for your brain. It helps you focus and unwind. Give it a try and see how even a few minutes of creativity can make a substantial difference in your day!