Remember when you were a kid and traced your hand to make a turkey? That simple creative act probably brought you joy and focus. As adults, we can recapture that peaceful feeling the same way, as artist and educator Lynda Barry suggests in her book "Making Comics."

When anxiety creeps in, the simple act of tracing your hand can serve as an anchor to the present moment. This alone can be a quick reset, or if you have more time go wild and continue doodling.

This practice works on multiple levels:

Drawing unlocks the right side of the brain.
The nostalgic connection to childhood art helps release tension.
It's an easy, active form of meditation.

One of Barry's most powerful warm-up techniques is drawing a spiral to get your mind ready to work. I keep this 3-minute video of hers bookmarked and use it when I'm feeling stuck. It relaxes me to draw along with her and listen to her voice.

Whether you consider yourself artistic or not, these exercises are accessible to everyone. Sometimes the most basic tools can be the most powerful ones for finding our way back to calm.

All the best for a peaceful and happy new year!

Drawing Your Way To Calm