Building a regular sketching habit sounds great but it can feel hard to keep up, especially with a busy schedule or creative ups and downs....
hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
A mindful drawing exercise uses repetitive marks or simple patterns to help quiet the mind and increase focus. There’s no pressure to perform or create a masterpiece. The process matters more than the result.
Doodling fits this perfectly. It allows the hand to move freely while the mind begins to settle. Over time, it becomes a small creative ritual that helps reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Doodling came into my life during a stressful season when everything felt overwhelming and rushed. For a long time, I loved the idea of making art but in everyday life, it felt like too much. Setting up paints, cleaning brushes, or even finding the right time just didn’t happen.
But I kept catching myself doodling. On meeting notes, shopping lists, scrap paper… simple lines that slowly turned into something more. It didn’t need a plan or a perfect setup. I just started, and let it grow.
Those little drawings became a creative outlet. And over time, they turned into the hand-drawn art behind artmefree. Today, I still create in the same spontaneous, pressure-free way and it all started with this one mindful drawing exercise.
Here are a few of the pieces that grew out of this practice:
Doodling isn’t just something you do while daydreaming—it can actually bring you into the present. Here’s why it’s so effective as a mindful drawing exercise:
Repetition builds focus. Repeating shapes or lines keeps your hand engaged and your mind anchored.
No pressure to “get it right.” There’s no wrong way to doodle. You simply let your pen wander.
It’s accessible anytime. You don’t need special tools or a quiet room. Just pause and draw.
It promotes flow. That meditative state where time disappears? Doodling can take you there.
Doodling is a fun and relaxing way to explore creativity, and now you can start your journey with my free workbook!
The Art of Doodling is a printable workbook designed to help you discover and improve your art skills, no experience needed. At artmefree, it’s all about embracing creativity in a simple, enjoyable way, whether you’re just starting out or looking for fresh inspiration.
16 pages packed with fun doodling exercises ✨
Helps improve and level up your drawing skills ✏️
Features pattern ideas and step-by-step guides 🗒️
Includes examples alongside open space to explore 🎨
Download it now and start doodling!
You don’t need artistic skills to get started. Just follow these simple steps:
Grab your tools. A pen (any kind) and a sheet of paper.
Find a few minutes. Even 5–10 minutes can help.
Choose a pattern. Start with circles, spirals, zigzags, or grids. Anything goes.
Repeat the shape slowly. Focus on how the pen moves. Breathe with the rhythm.
Let it evolve naturally. There’s no right or wrong. Let your hand guide the process.
Tip: Set a timer for 10 minutes so you’re not thinking about time.
If you are looking for a more detailed tutorial, check out my blog post on how to start doodling.
Not sure what to draw? Try one of these simple prompts for your mindful drawing session:
Interlocking circles
Crosshatch shading
Waves and curves
Spirals
Boxes filled with different textures
Repeating leaf shapes
Mandala-style layers (you find my step-by-step mandala guide here)
Start with one and let it evolve. The goal is presence—not perfection.
This doodling practice works beautifully as part of a daily routine or as a quick mental reset. Try it when:
You feel overwhelmed or anxious
You need a creative warm-up
You’re stuck on a problem and need clarity
You want a screen-free moment
You just need to breathe
Even a few minutes can help clear your mind and reconnect with creativity.
If you’d like some structure or visual examples, check out the free printable doodling workbook available here.
It’s filled with easy prompts and warm-ups to help you begin your mindful drawing practice without pressure.
Also, if you’re curious about building a longer practice, the 14-day drawing challenge includes doodling prompts that encourage daily creativity in just 10 minutes a day.
This mindful drawing exercise is proof that creativity doesn’t need to be complicated. A pen, a page, and a few quiet minutes are all you need to feel calmer and more grounded.
Whether you’re new to drawing or just looking for a mindful break, doodling offers a gentle, enjoyable path into creativity. Give it a try and let it become a small ritual in your day.
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✅ Explore the artmefree gallery for more sketchbook inspiration
✅ Check out the artmefree shop for creative gifts and prints of my artwork
