National Alliance on Mental Illness: "Zen Doodling"

Sunday, October 1-Tuesday, October 10

Zen doodling (also known as Zentangle) is a style of drawing that combines simple techniques with a meditative approach, allowing someone to create intricate designs by repeating the same basic pattern multiple times in a large area. You do not have to be “creative” or “an artist” to Zen doodle! It is a therapeutic practice that can be done independently to help you relax, focus, and increase concentration. Zen doodling is not a replacement for traditional therapy. Still, it’s a great way to help you in your self-exploration journey.

Although Zen doodling is a newer approach that started in the early 2000s, the process and methods have been used for centuries. In studies done in 2021 and 2022, Zen doodling was found to promote stress relief, decrease frustration levels, enhance self-image, promote self-confidence, and give physical benefits such as reduced blood pressure, muscle relaxation, and improved fine motor skills.

In Zen doodling, the goal is to let your mind focus only on creation and the flow of the lines from your pencil. There is no “end goal”; you are not trying to create a recognizable image. Let the pattern flow from your pencil, creating tiny pieces that add up to a beautiful and stunning whole.