In this therapeutic octopus tentacles exercise, we’ll calm our minds with a fun, therapeutic drawing exercise.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or burnt out? As a mom, it can be easy to put your own needs last on the to-do list. However, taking time for yourself and engaging in therapeutic art activities can be a powerful way to relieve stress and reconnect with your creativity.
One simple and fun exercise that you can try is drawing octopus tentacles. It’s a playful way to loosen up and tap into your imagination, and it can be done with just a few basic art supplies.
Small exercises like this are a great way to incorporate creativity into your busy life.
Remember, taking time for yourself and engaging in therapeutic art activities is not a luxury – it’s a necessary part of self-care. So take a deep breath, let your hand move freely, and see what kind of octopus tentacles emerge from your imagination.
I hope you have some well-deserved creative me-time with this therapeutic octopus tentacles 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
Supplies used:
Bristol paper (Winsor & Newton), colored pencils (Faber-Castell Polychromos), fineliner 0.03 (Edding), fineliner 1.0 (Copic), and washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
You can use whatever material you have for this exercise, such as markers, crayons, watercolors, etc. But, of course, a pencil is enough as well.
Instructions:
Step 1
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.
Using your pencil, draw a few curved lines on your paper to represent the tentacles. Don’t worry about making them perfect – in fact, the more uneven and varied they are, the more interesting your octopus will look. Try to create a sense of movement and flow by varying the thickness and direction of the lines.
Draw lines parallel to your first ones and connect them at the end to make tentacles. Next, draw a line in the middle of your tentacles to represent the top and bottom parts of your tentacles.
Step 2
Now it’s time to bring your octopus to life with color! You can use any coloring materials you like, from bright and bold markers to subtle and delicate watercolors. Think about the mood and personality you want to convey – maybe you want your octopus to be playful and whimsical, or perhaps you want it to be more serene and calming.
Choose colors that feel soothing to you, and start coloring in each tentacle. Ensure the top and bottom of your tentacles have different shades or colors.
Step 3
After adding some color, it’s time to add the suckers. Use small circles to represent the round, suction cup-like structures covering each tentacle’s underside. You can use different colors or shades to create a sense of depth and texture.
This can be a meditative and repetitive process that helps you focus on the present moment and let go of any worries or distractions.
Step 4
Finally, you can add details, such as extra shade where your tentacles cross or a background color or pattern.
After you’ve completed your octopus tentacles, take a few moments to reflect on your experience. How did you feel while you were drawing and coloring? Did you notice any changes in your mood or stress levels? Did you enjoy the creative process, or did you find it challenging? Taking time to reflect can help you gain insights into your needs and preferences regarding therapeutic art.
In conclusion, creating octopus tentacles can be a fun and therapeutic way to relieve stress and promote relaxation. By focusing on the creative process and embracing imperfection, you can tap into your inner artist and experience the many benefits of artistic expression. So the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed as a mom, grab your supplies and give this exercise a try!
If you liked this exercise, you might also like my playful pastel powder exercise.
