Simple Sketches for Relaxation: 18 Design Ideas for Anxiety Drawing, Suitable for Both Kids and Grown-ups
adult coloring books have gained popularity in the last decade as a means to alleviate anxiety and stress. While drawing is often associated with art therapy, the two are distinct. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual and tactile media for self-expression and communication, delivered by trained professionals to aid mental health. Drawing, on the other hand, while beneficial in reducing anxiety, is not considered a therapy activity unless administered by a certified art therapist.
Drs. Turtutto and Drake conducted research exploring the benefits of different drawing objectives: distraction and expression. Sixty undergraduate participants were randomly assigned tasks such as coloring a design, drawing with the intention to distract, or expressing negative feelings through drawing. Results indicated that all activities had positive psychological and physiological effects on the participants, including reduced anxiety, decreased heart rate, and increased respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Additionally, those who drew with the intention of distraction enjoyed the activity more than those who drew to express negative feelings.
Drawing offers several benefits beyond anxiety relief. Engaging in drawing and coloring helps with stress relief, mindfulness, creative expression, reaching a state of productive flow, reminiscing fond memories, being a low-cost hobby, and even having a social aspect if one joins a local club.
For kids, anxiety drawing may take the form of creating mandalas, doodling, decorating anxiety rocks, color-by-numbers, using drawing prompts, drawing inspired by music, finger drawing, creative hand lettering, bullet journal drawing, art journaling, self-affirmation cards, and drawing their anxiety as a means of expression. In addition, other drawing project examples include making a worry box, scratch art, figurine painting, and painting dishes as creative outlets.
Art therapy and anxiety drawing share the common ground of creative expression, but they differ in their professional oversight, goals, and structure. Art therapy is a more formal therapeutic intervention led by trained professionals, while anxiety drawing is an informal activity aimed at emotional expression and stress relief. Both strategies offer potential benefits for those seeking to manage anxiety.
Drawing's benefits extend to various aspects of one's lifestyle, beyond just mental health. It can serve as a coping mechanism for stress in the realm of food-and-drink, such as the calming act of cooking or painting food-themed pictures. In the domain of home-and-garden, design sketches for home makeovers or gardening plans can be therapeutic.
When it comes to personal growth and self-development, drawing can be a powerful tool in career-development, giving rise to portfolio-worthy designs for job-search purposes. Relevant skills training such as skills-training in digital art or graphic design can further enhance one's career prospects.
In terms of relationships, a shared interest in drawing can foster bonding experiences, leading to stronger connections. This shared hobby can even extend to pets, as dog drawing has grown in popularity.
Traveling offers unique opportunities for exploration through sketching, capturing memories of new places and cultures in vivid, personal ways. Weather discoveries while traveling can also influence one's drawing style, adding even more dimension to depictions.
On a more adventurous note, connecting drawing with sports can create unique blends, like sports-themed art or even sports-betting-inspired designs.
Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts may find solace in drawing as a means of creating fashion illustrations or developing their personal style through art. Shopping can also become more meaningful when the focus is on art supplies for drawing projects.
Considering the widespread appeal of drawing, it's evident that its therapeutic potential transcends mental health, touching upon diverse aspects of life and personal growth. Drawing's versatility makes it an accessible and impactful tool for self-expression and relaxation.
