Have you ever tried a mindfulness or creative exercise that everyone seemed to love, only to find that it made you feel restless, frustrated, or even more anxious?
If so, you’re not alone.
One of the biggest misconceptions in mental health is the idea that if a technique is “good”, it should work for everyone. In reality, our minds and nervous systems are wonderfully diverse. What brings calm to one person may feel uncomfortable or ineffective for another.
This article explores why that happens and why your response isn’t a sign that you’re doing it “wrong”.
A Simple Exercise, Many Different Experiences
Recently, I shared a short neurographic drawing exercise designed to encourage viewers to notice what happened in their minds while drawing.
The responses were fascinating.
Some people felt calmer almost immediately.
Others noticed no significant change.
A few shared that the experience actually increased their anxiety.
Rather than seeing these responses as contradictory, they illustrate an important psychological truth:
There is no universal calming technique.
The value of an exercise lies not in producing the “correct” feeling, but in increasing awareness of how your own mind and body respond.
Why Do People React So Differently?
Several factors influence how we experience creative and mindfulness-based activities.
1. Your Nervous System Is Unique
Our nervous systems constantly assess whether we feel safe, alert, or under threat.
When someone is already feeling overwhelmed, slowing down may feel soothing.
For someone else, slowing down can create space for thoughts and emotions that have been pushed into the background, making the experience feel more intense.
Neither response is right or wrong.
2. Racing Thoughts Are Not Exclusive to Anxiety
Many people associate racing thoughts solely with anxiety.
While anxiety commonly involves racing thoughts, they can also occur because of:
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- ADHD
- High emotional arousal
- Excitement
- Life transitions
- Certain mental health conditions
This is why two people with similar thoughts may respond very differently to the same activity.
3. Creative Activities Can Increase Awareness
Expressive arts don’t always make difficult emotions disappear.
Sometimes they simply help us notice them.
That increased awareness can initially feel uncomfortable.
Think of it like walking into a quiet room after standing in a noisy crowd.
The silence doesn’t create the thoughts.
It simply makes them easier to hear.
What Is Neurographic Art?
Neurographic art is a structured drawing process that uses flowing lines and rounded intersections to encourage mindful attention and creative expression.
Unlike traditional drawing, there is no goal of producing a beautiful picture.
Instead, the focus is on:
- The movement of the pen
- Following the lines visually
- Remaining curious about your internal experience
- Allowing thoughts and emotions to exist without judgement
Many people find this process relaxing.
Others simply enjoy it as a creative exercise.
Some may discover it isn’t the right technique for them, and that’s perfectly okay.
If the Exercise Makes You Feel More Anxious
One of the most important things to remember is this:
You do not need to force yourself to continue.
If you notice discomfort:
- Stop after drawing a single line.
- Put the pen down.
- Take one slow breath.
- Observe how you feel.
- Return another day if you wish.
Mindfulness is not about pushing through distress.
It is about responding to yourself with curiosity and compassion.
Watch the Exercise in Action
Curious to see how your own mind responds?
🎥 Watch my YouTube Short: Notice What Happens to Your Mind When You Draw This.
As you watch, pay attention to your own experience.
Did you feel calmer?
More restless?
No noticeable change?
There is no correct answer.
I’d love to hear what you noticed, so don’t forget to leave a comment on the video.
Helpful Supplies for Creative Mindfulness
If you’d like to explore drawing-based mindfulness exercises, here are a few beginner-friendly supplies.
Smooth Sketchbook
Choose a sketchbook with thick, smooth paper that allows your pen to glide easily.
Fineliner Pens
A set of black fineliner pens with different tip sizes is perfect for neurographic drawing and other mindful art exercises.
Gel Pens or Brush Pens
If colouring helps you relax, consider adding a set of colourful gel pens or brush pens to your collection.
Coloured Pencils
Soft coloured pencils are ideal for adding colour after completing a neurographic drawing.
Adult Mindfulness Colouring Book
Colouring books with abstract or nature-inspired designs can be another gentle way to practise focused attention.
The Bigger Lesson
Mental health isn’t about finding the one perfect technique.
It’s about discovering what works for you.
Some people regulate emotions through drawing.
Others through movement, music, journalling, deep breathing, or spending time outdoors.
Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
The most valuable question isn’t:
“Did this exercise work?”
It’s:
“What did I notice about myself while I was doing it?”
That curiosity is often the first step towards greater self-awareness.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever tried a calming activity that simply didn’t work for you?
Or discovered an unexpected technique that did?
Share your experience in the comments below. Your story may help someone else realise they’re not alone.
If you enjoy psychology, expressive arts, and practical mental wellbeing strategies, subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow EducateAble for more evidence-informed content designed to help you better understand yourself, one creative exercise at a time.
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