Doodle Therapy

Feeling overwhelmed, unfocused, or creatively blocked?

Today, we’re starting with a simple, meditative doodle you can try right now, and then we will explore why these little lines have such a big impact on your mind!

Let’s begin with a great mindfulness doodle, some swirls. It’s soothing, satisfying, and absolutely beginner-friendly. Only 3 easy steps that will take 5–10 minutes.

Step 1: Start with circles
Fill your page with circles of all different sizes.

Step 2: Draw spirals inside each of the circles.
Keep your lines close and steady, this is your breathing moment!

Step 3: Add color
This could be all different colors or different shades of the same color

TIP: Try pairing each spiral circle with a deep breath!

Want more step by step examples? Head over to my instagram account for more inspo! @greatdaydoodles


What’s Happening in Your Brain?

After just a few minutes drawing… maybe you’ll feel a little lighter, quieter, or more present. That’s not a coincidence, it’s science.

  • Repetitive motion (like drawing lines or spirals) activates the parasympathetic nervous system, your body’s natural calming mode.
  • Doodling reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, especially when done in relaxed, low-pressure environments.
  • Creative movement boosts dopamine, the “feel-good” brain chemical tied to focus and flow.

Whether you’re filling a page with circle, spirals, wavy lines, doodling offers a quiet moment of peace in a noisy world. It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence. So the next time you need a breather, grab a pen and let your lines lead the way!

Find other creative and doodle inspo here:

Screens Down, Pens Up

What Do You Need to Start Doodling?

Creativity is a Muscle

You don’t have to be an Artist to be Creative

Where Did My Creativity Go?

Karen Hendren

Hi, I’m Karen—an educator, lifelong learner, and creativity-seeker. For over 10 years, I’ve worked with children as a teacher and school leader, constantly inspired by the wild and wonderful ways young minds think. I’ve always been fascinated by how creative kids are, and just as curious about why so many adults lose touch with that creativity over time. Lately, I’ve been exploring doodling as a simple, joyful way to reconnect with my own creative brain. It’s part hobby, part self-discovery, and part science experiment as I learn more about how our brains work, grow, and imagine. Through this journey, I'm hoping to reignite my own creative spark, understand more about how the brain works, and inspire others to play, wonder, and rediscover the creative magic we all had as kids.

View all posts by Karen Hendren →

4 thoughts on “Doodle Therapy

  1. Love this idea. A busy few weeks ahead of me, I’m going to take some time to Doodle! Thanks for the inspiration!

  2. Thanks for reminding me to take time to doodle…it’s really helpful during these busy days at the end of the school year. It helps me relax, take a break, and feel a bit more calm. Thank you!!

    1. Hey Bela! The end of a school year is a wild time; it is absolutely necessary to take a few relaxing minutes for yourself!

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