In today’s fast-paced world, where productivity often takes the front seat, it’s easy to overlook the importance of nurturing our creative side. However, embracing and cultivating creativity can bring numerous benefits to our lives, from enhanced problem-solving skills to increased happiness and fulfillment. One of my favorite ways to engage in a daily creative practice is doodling.
When we think of doodling, we often associate it with mindless scribbles or idle sketches. However, doodling can be much more than that. Engaging in a daily practice can bring a multitude of benefits to your life, from boosting creativity and reducing stress to enhancing focus and improving cognitive abilities. It also doesn’t require fancy tools or paper – just you, a writing utensil, and paper.
If you want to start a daily doodle practice, here are some tips that can help.
- Embrace Curiosity: Curiosity is the catalyst for creativity. Cultivate a sense of wonder and openness to new experiences. Ask questions, explore different perspectives, and challenge conventional wisdom. Engage in activities that pique your interest and encourage you to think outside the box. Whether it’s visiting museums, attending workshops, or diving into new hobbies, curiosity fuels your creativity. A great way to do this is write out numbers, or letters, and see if you can turn them into something else. If you need visual inspiration, there are quite a few videos online that give precise instructions on this technique.
- Embrace Failure and Learn from it: Fear of failure often stifles creativity. To bring more creativity into your life, you must be willing to take risks and embrace the possibility of making mistakes. Understand that failure is an essential part of the creative process. Learn from setbacks, view them as learning opportunities, and use them to refine your ideas. Embracing failure allows you to experiment, iterate, and ultimately discover innovative solutions. When teaching creative practices to others, I remind them that their piece isn’t going to look exactly like my example. This has nothing to do with skill or practice, but that we are different people with different experiences. From there, we discuss the beauty of having one’s own expressive style, and that being like everyone else is not important to their creativity.
- Practice Regularly: Creativity, like any skill, requires practice. Set aside dedicated time for creative pursuits, whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or playing an instrument. Make doodling a regular part of your routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Consistency is key to nurturing your creative abilities and unleashing your full potential. It can take a bit of time to get into a routine that fosters creativity. An easy way to get started is by keeping a small notebook nearby. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – it can be junk mail, printing paper, or paper napkins – it is just a place for your mind and hand to wander. For those who work with sensory issues, it is a good idea to use instruments that feel good in your hands, and don’t create a barrier for you to express yourself fully.
Doodling serves as a powerful tool for self-expression. It allows you to communicate thoughts, emotions, and ideas visually, even when words may fall short. Through daily practice, you can discover your unique artistic style and develop a visual language that is personal to you. As you witness your skills improving over time, your confidence as an artist grows, leading to greater self-assurance in other aspects of your life.
Engaging your imagination is a delightful and rewarding habit that brings forth numerous benefits. From nurturing your creativity and reducing stress to enhancing focus, promoting cognitive development, and improving your overall wellbeing. So, grab a pen, unleash your originality, and let the transformative power of doodling guide you on a journey of self-expression, relaxation, and personal growth.
Kim E Upton 