How Drawing Helped Me Feel Like Myself Again

How Drawing Helped Me Feel Like Myself Again

And why it might help you too

Some years ago, I went through a very difficult time. The sort of time where everything feels like it’s just a little too much.

I was holding a lot—emotionally, physically—and trying my best to keep going. On the outside, I probably looked like I was managing. But inside, I felt tired. Disconnected. Not quite me.

At that time, I didn’t think of myself as an artist. I wasn’t thinking about creativity at all, really.I just wanted something—anything—to help me feel a bit more grounded.

One day, I picked up a pencil and began drawing in a small notebook. It was not a planned thing. I didn’t set goals or follow a tutorial. I just sat by the window and let my hand move. A few lines, a little shading, the shape of a flower from the windowsill. It was quiet. It was simple.

And, surprisingly, it helped.

There was no pressure to get it right. No need to show anyone. It was just for me.Something about the way my hands moved, the way I looked closely at one small thing—it calmed me. It slowed my thoughts down. It brought me into the moment, even if only for ten minutes.

At the time, I didn’t know there was a name for this. Now I do.

Studies from Frontiers in Psychology and The British Journal of Occupational Therapy show that making art can have a real and measurable effect on our wellbeing.

Drawing, painting, collaging, even simple doodling—they all activate the reward system in the brain.They help lower cortisol (our stress hormone), reduce anxiety, and bring us into the present moment.And when we stop judging ourselves, when we let go of expectations, the benefits increase.

Over the years, I’ve seen this happen not just for me, but for so many others.

One woman in my online art community told me she began drawing after recovering from a long illness. At first, she said, “I thought I was just passing the time.” But then she added something I’ll never forget:“Drawing gave me back my sense of self.”

Another student shared that painting during her recovery from burnout became a lifeline. She said, “Even on the hard days, it gave me a calm feeling I hadn’t felt in years.”

That is the magic of art. It helps us notice. It helps us reconnect—with the world, with beauty, and most of all, with ourselves.

This is why I care so deeply about what we do in my community.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about having talent. It’s not even about making a finished piece.

It’s about making time for you. It’s about feeling grounded, held, and gently cheered on. It’s about that quiet joy that comes when you make a mark just for the sake of it. In my online art community, we meet every Thursday at 6PM (UK time). We gather on Zoom with whatever art supplies we have.We paint, sketch, collage, chat a little, and make space for ourselves in the middle of a busy week.

There’s no pressure. You can show your work—or not. You can sit in silence and just draw. You can come every week or only when you feel like it.

Some people are complete beginners. Some haven’t drawn in decades.Others come with years of experience.

But we all share something important: We’re there to feel better, not to be perfect.

If you’re looking for more creative calm in your life, or if something in you is whispering that you’d like to draw again—even if it’s been years—this might be a beautiful place to begin.

You can have a look here: 👉 Makings and Musings Community

We would love to welcome you.

And if you decide to pick up a pencil today—just for you—I hope it brings a little peace.

Warm wishes,

Irene

Makings and Musings