Capturing memories on the go doesn’t always need long diary entries or a bag full of art supplies. With just a pen, a sketchbook, and...
hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
When I was younger, I loved making art—it was fun, exciting, and something I could get lost in for hours. But as life got busier, I started creating less and less. I always told myself I just „didn’t have time.“ On the rare occasions when I did sit down to create, it didn’t feel fun anymore. Instead of enjoying the process, I felt pressure to make something that looked good. I was frustrated when my ideas didn’t turn out as expected. Art had become another source of stress rather than an escape from it.
Everything changed when I discovered doodling. Unlike other forms of art, doodling has no rules. I didn’t need a perfect concept or hours of time—I could just grab a pen and start drawing lines, shapes, and patterns. It didn’t matter what the result looked like.
That’s when I realized: I had been thinking about art all wrong. It was never supposed to be about meeting expectations. Art is here to bring joy, not stress.
If you’ve ever felt the same way—frustrated, stuck, or afraid to create because it won’t be „perfect“—you’re not alone. And the good news? You don’t need to be an artist to experience the benefits of doodling. And often the end result looks surprisingly stunning nonetheless 😉
Doodling isn’t just a fun activity—it has real scientific benefits for stress relief. Research has shown that engaging in creative activities like drawing lowers cortisol, the stress hormone.
Here’s why doodling works so well as a stress reliever:
Even just a few minutes of doodling a day can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance creativity.
Doodling is one of the easiest creative activities to start because it requires no special skills or materials. Here’s how to make it a stress-free habit:
This is the most important step! Doodling isn’t about creating a masterpiece—it’s about enjoying the process. There’s no wrong way to doodle, so don’t judge your work. Just let your pen move freely.
If you struggle with perfectionism in art, check out my blog post on Why Perfection is Overrated in Art. It will help you break free from the pressure of „getting it right“ and start creating with confidence.
Like any form of self-care, doodling works best when done regularly. Even just five minutes a day can make a big difference.
The magic of doodling is in the movement, not the outcome. Try:
There’s no single way to doodle, so find what feels most relaxing for you:
If you’re excited to try doodle art for stress relief, but don’t know where to begin, my free “Art of Doodling” workbook is the perfect place to start!
Inside, you’ll find:
✔ List of materials you need.
✔ Guided doodling exercises to help you let go and relax.
✔ Fun challenges to build confidence and make doodling a habit.
Doodling is one of the easiest ways to experience the calming benefits of art, and the best part? Anyone can do it. Art isn’t about meeting expectations—it’s about enjoying the process, expressing yourself, and reducing stress.
So grab a pen, start drawing, and let your creativity flow—no pressure, no perfection, just pure enjoyment.
Save this post on Pinterest for later, and explore more doodle-based inspiration in the artmefree gallery!
