Have you ever thought, “I don’t have time for art,” or felt unsure where to begin?
You’re not alone.
Life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything in between, creativity often falls to the bottom of the list. But What if:
Making art didn’t have to be time-consuming or overwhelming
Art can help you feel less stressed in just a few minutes a day
Art can be an alternative to doomscrolling + you can feel better!
It’s possible… that’s where Mindful Art comes in.
Mindful Art combines mindfulness (awareness of the present moment with non-judgment and kindness) and simple art exercises anyone can do. Yes, anyone!
Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting, this approach is all about simple and small ways you can create for your self-care. It’s about enjoying the process, not chasing perfection. I’ll share how you can gently add creativity to your day with ease, joy, and self-compassion.
Why a Daily-ISH Art Practice Matters
We often dream of creating every day, but get stuck in thoughts like:
I don’t have enough time.
I don’t know what to make.
I don’t have the right supplies.
What if it’s not good enough?
I get it. I’ve been there, too.
But here’s the truth: It’s the small, consistent moments of creativity that create the biggest shifts.
Mindful Art helps you:
Make space for your self-care and breathe
Tune into the present moment and relax
Let go of judgment and be kinder to yourself
Reconnect with your creativity
It’s not about making perfect art. It’s about making space for you.
How to Start with mindful art: The simple 5-Minute Rule
Let’s take the pressure off.
Instead of setting aside an hour a day, start with just 5 minutes. Set a timer. Open an art journal. Make marks. Breathe. That’s it.
Over time, this short practice builds momentum, confidence, and joy. And most days, those 5 minutes will naturally stretch into more.
Need help getting started?
Download the Free Mindful Art Workbook for Self-Care HERE.
Follow along with the simple mindful art journaling video below; discover a simple approach to play.
Fun note: This YouTube video is our 100th video celebration! In it, I share simple tips to make daily art for self-care that feels doable and fun.
3 Simple Tips for Creating art Daily
1. Set a Time Limit
Just 5 minutes a day of mindful art or journaling can make a big difference. Use a timer and give yourself permission to stop when it goes off. (Or keep going if you're in flow!)
2. Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy supplies. Use what you have: pens, markers, old notebooks. Even a sticky note works. Doodles, scribbles, lines; it all counts.
3. Embrace Imperfection
Let go of expectations. Your art doesn’t need to be pretty or polished. It just needs to be yours. Mindful Art is about showing up, not showing off.
What Is Creative Mindfulness?
On the Make & Design podcast, I had a lovely conversation with Carina, a talented Design Coach. We talked about Creative Mindfulness and how it’s different from traditional mindfulness or life coaching, and how it can:
Help you move past perfectionism and comparison
Support emotional healing through expression
Strengthen your voice as an artist
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
Try My Go-To: 5-Min BreathDoodles™
If you’re looking for a simple, soothing art practice, you’ll love BreathDoodles™. These are 5-minute mindful drawing and breathing exercises designed to:
Calm your mind
Spark creativity
Gently regulate your nervous system
I use them daily, and they’ve supported thousands of others around the world.
Mindful Art = A Journey of Self-Discovery
The more we create with mindfulness, the more we learn about ourselves. Each brushstroke, doodle, or collage becomes an invitation to:
Explore your emotions
Honor your intuition
Discover your voice
This practice has transformed my life. I believe it can do the same for you.
Let’s Create art Together
I created Mindful Creative Muse to help you feel supported and inspired as you reconnect with your creativity.
Whether you try a few BreathDoodles™ or explore our online mindful art courses, retreats, or teacher training programs, there’s a place for you here.
You don’t have to do it all at once. Just take one small, kind step.
And remember: you are already an artist.
P.S. If this post inspired you, share it with a friend who could use a little more mindfulness and creativity in their life. Let’s spread the joy one brushstroke at a time!