Colouring Outside the Lines: 5 Creative Ways to Make Art at Home for Well-Being

Art has a unique way of reaching places within us that words often cannot. Whether you're seeking a mindful escape from a busy day, or looking for a deeper way to process emotions, creative expression can be a powerful tool for well-being. At Ginkgo Therapies, we often encourage the use of art to explore feelings and unlock self-awareness.

Below are five simple yet powerful creative activities you can try at home to experience the healing potential of artistic expression. While these prompts are not meant to replace professional art therapy, they are designed to encourage creativity and provide a window into how the act of making art can promote emotional well-being.

1. Mindful Doodling: Drawing Your Breath

Why it works: This practice combines mindfulness with drawing to promote relaxation, presence, and focus.

How to try it: Grab a blank sheet of paper and a pen, a marker or a pencil. *The bigger the paper, the more space you will have to move freely. Begin by taking a few deep breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of your chest. Now, as you continue to breathe, let your hand start moving freely on the paper, creating shapes, lines, or patterns that feel natural. Let your doodles flow with your breath—maybe you’ll create spirals, waves, or random squiggles. There’s no right or wrong; the goal is to stay present with your breath while letting your hand move without judgment.

What it does for you: Mindful doodling can help calm an anxious mind and bring your awareness to the present moment. It serves as a form of meditation, reducing stress and fostering a sense of inner calm.

2. Emotion Collage: Mapping Your Feelings

Why it works: Visualizing emotions helps us understand and process them, making it easier to navigate emotional complexities.

How to try it: Gather old magazines, newspapers, or printouts, along with scissors and glue. On a piece of paper, write down the emotions you’re feeling at the moment. Next, find and cut out images, colors, or words from the magazines that visually represent the emotions you are feeling —whether it's anger, joy, sadness, or confusion. Arrange the pieces on the paper and glue them down to create your “emotion map.”

What it does for you: This activity helps externalize inner emotions, giving you the chance to see them from a new perspective. It can also aid in making sense of mixed or overwhelming feelings, providing clarity and release.

3. Drawing to Music: Flowing with Rhythm

Why it works: Drawing to music taps into both auditory and visual senses, helping you relax and express emotions that words may not be able to capture.

How to try it: Pick a song or playlist that resonates with your current mood. Choose materials like pens, markers, or colored pencils, and start drawing while listening to the music. Let the rhythm and sound guide your hand—maybe the beat inspires quick, energetic lines, or a soft melody results in slow, sweeping shapes. The goal is to let the music influence the art, without overthinking it.

How it helps: This activity helps you to loosen up and let go of perfection. By focusing on the music, you allow your emotions to flow through the art naturally. It’s an excellent way to relieve stress, relax, and tap into your creativity in a spontaneous way.

4. Art Journaling: A Dialogue with Your Inner Self

Why it works: Art journaling creates a safe space for self-expression, combining both written and visual elements to enhance self-reflection.

How to try it: Start with a blank journal. Choose a theme, such as "today's mood" or "something I'm grateful for." Write a few thoughts or words about that theme on one page. On the opposite page, express those feelings through art—draw symbols, create patterns, or splash colors that relate to your writing. Try to let go of perfection and let your instincts guide you.

What it does for you: Art journaling allows you to have a conversation with yourself, blending words and images to uncover deeper insights. It can enhance emotional clarity, track personal growth, and offer a powerful release for thoughts that are difficult to verbalize.

5. Nature Prints: Grounding Through Connection

Why it works: Connecting with nature through art can be grounding, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more centered.

How to try it: Head outside and collect a few leaves, flowers, or small objects from nature. Back at home, lay the objects on a piece of paper and cover them with another piece of paper. Use the side of a crayon or pencil to rub over the objects, revealing their textures and patterns. Alternatively, you can paint the objects lightly and press them onto paper to create nature prints.

What it does for you: Nature printing is a calming, grounding activity that fosters a sense of connection to the world around you. It also offers a moment to slow down, focus on small details, and appreciate the beauty in the simple things.

Each of these interventions invites you to experiment, explore, play (like when you were a child) and embrace the process of creation without focusing on the outcome. By engaging in these creative practices, you open the door to self-expression, stress relief, and emotional healing.

You don’t need any special materials—just a willingness to begin and an openness to what might unfold. Whether you’re processing emotions, seeking relaxation, or simply want to engage your creative side, art can be an invaluable tool in your journey toward well-being. So, give yourself permission to make some space for creativity and see where it leads.