Soothing Spirals: Creative Relaxation for Moms

Hey there, busy mom! Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and relaxation by drawing some soothing spirals? Today, let’s explore how this simple yet impactful exercise can offer a much-needed escape from the chaos of motherhood while nurturing your mental well-being.

Why spirals, you ask? Besides being a fun, creative exercise, drawing spirals taps into the innate calming qualities of this unique shape. Spirals are found abundantly in nature, from seashells to galaxies, and are often associated with growth, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of drawing spirals mirrors the natural flow of energy in the universe, creating a sense of harmony and balance within ourselves.

Have fun with this soothing spirals 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), black fineliner (Tombow mono twin permanent marker), 4B pencil (Bruynzeel), tortillon.

Alternative supply suggestions:

You can use any supplies you have: colored pencils, crayons, watercolors, etc.

You can also use a cotton swab if you don’t have a tortillon.

Instructions for this soothing spirals exercise:

Step 1 – Drawing the spiral

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.

Get your paper and pencil ready. Now, draw a large, rough spiral on your page. Don’t worry about perfection here; the beauty lies in the imperfections! Embrace the fluidity of the lines as they flow and intertwine on the page.

Step 2 – Adding curved lines

Once your spiral is formed, it’s time to add depth and dimension. Starting from the center, begin to draw curved lines radiating outward with each ring of the spiral. Allow your hand to move freely, following the natural flow of the spiral as you fill the page with these rhythmic lines. You can also turn your paper slowly to make it easier for your curved lines to follow the direction of your spiral.

Step 3 – Adding depth

With your spiral now complete, it’s time to bring it to life with shading and blending. Take a soft pencil (anything with a ‘B’ in it) and carefully shade along the lines of the spiral, adding depth and contrast to your creation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and intensities to achieve the desired effect.

Now, gently blend your pencil lines with a cotton swab or a tortillon. Watch as your spiral comes to life with depth and texture!

Pay attention to the details. Make the smaller rings in the middle a bit darker to create a 3D effect, mimicking the play of light and shadow.

So, Mom, the next time you feel overwhelmed or need a mental break, grab your pencil and create some soothing spirals. It’s not just doodling; it’s a journey of self-discovery and healing. Give it a try and see how drawing spirals can bring a little more peace and tranquility into your busy mom life. You’ve got this!