Why I Started Drawing Again (And Why You Might Want To, Too)

🌱 Rediscovering an Old Love

I hadn’t picked up a pencil to draw for years.

Like many of us, life swept me up — into responsibilities, goals, screens, and the myth that “if you’re not good at something, why do it at all?” But one evening, drained and scrolling aimlessly, I found an old sketchbook buried in a drawer. The pages were yellowed, the pencil lines naive. But they felt like home.

That night, I started drawing again. Not for Instagram. Not for mastery. Just for me.

And everything began to shift.

 

🧠 The Science of Drawing and Mental Health

1. Drawing Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Numerous studies show that creative expression—especially drawing—helps lower cortisol levels (our primary stress hormone). One study published in Art Therapy found that just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly reduced stress in 75% of participants, regardless of artistic experience.

Drawing gives your brain something rhythmic and non-verbal to focus on. It’s a form of meditative flow—a gentle escape from overthinking.

2. It Boosts Mood and Confidence

A study from Drexel University found that making art activates the brain’s reward pathway, releasing dopamine—the feel-good chemical. This helps combat feelings of depression or low energy, especially if you’ve been feeling creatively blocked or emotionally stuck.

You don’t need to be “good” at it. Just the act of drawing is emotionally nourishing.

3. Drawing Enhances Memory and Focus

Sketching activates both the visual and motor areas of your brain, increasing neural connections. Research in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications showed that people who draw information retain it far better than those who write or type it.

That’s why visual note-taking and doodling during meetings can make you sharper professionally.

4. It Rekindles Play and Wonder

In a world that often feels productivity-obsessed, drawing reintroduces the idea of play for play’s sake. It teaches us to slow down, be curious, and make peace with imperfection—all of which nurture a more joyful and present life.

✍️ Tips to Fill Your Sketchbook (Even If You Haven’t Drawn in Years)

Whether your sketchbook has been gathering dust or you're staring at a blank page with dread, these simple and playful prompts will help you start:

 

🧃 1. Draw Your Morning Coffee (Or Breakfast)

Illustrate whatever you’re eating or drinking right now. Add labels, colors, or even a little review.

 

🌿 2. Nature Hunt

Step outside and sketch 3 things you see—leaves, twigs, clouds, shadows. Don’t aim for realism. Focus on shape and texture.

🐾 3. Your Pet, As a Superhero

Or your friend. Or your houseplant. Give them powers, a backstory, and a costume.

💌 4. Draw Your Day as a Comic Strip

Make 4 little panels summarizing what happened today. Even if it was “just emails,” turn it into a scene.

🎵 5. Sound to Sketch

Put on your favorite song and draw what it feels like—not what it says. Abstract shapes, colors, or whatever your hand wants to do.

📚 6. Copy, Then Twist

Pick a page from a book or illustration online. Copy it as practice, then change something: swap the setting, add a dinosaur, make it surreal.

🖍 7. Use a Different Tool

Try markers, crayons, or even drawing with your non-dominant hand. Breaking routine helps unblock creativity.

💛 Final Thoughts

When I started drawing again, I didn’t expect it to become such a grounding, joyful ritual. But it reminded me that you don’t need to be perfect to be passionate. That creating is about being present, not producing masterpieces.

So if you’ve been thinking about picking up that pen, brush, or stylus again—this is your sign. Draw like nobody’s watching (because honestly, nobody is).

🌈 Want More Little Moments of Joy?

Check out the Goodness Collection at Luverly — designed to sprinkle your everyday life with inspiration, love, and whimsy. From cozy prints to thoughtful gifts, it's our way of celebrating creativity and kindness, one beautiful piece at a time.

✨ What’s in your sketchbook today?

Tell us on Instagram @luverly.shop or tag us in your creations. We’d love to feature your art and celebrate your journey 💫