Adapted from article in Fitness Magazine, October 1999, by Dale Schwarz
This 5 minute exercise, uses mindful drawing to help manage workplace frustration. "Creativity goes beyond the arts to include how we make choices and live our lives," says Schwarz. "Doodling engages both left and right sides of the brain, and can indicate how we feel and what we think," she says. The physical act of drawing is also a useful release for anyone wound-up or stressed out.
- Assemble several sheets of blank paper and colored markers, pencils or crayons.
- Sit at your desk and shake out your hands, wrists and arms. Close your eyes and take two deep breaths. Open your eyes and choose a marker with a color that resonates with you.
- Let your hand move across a sheet of a paper freely, making marks. Be abstract. If you want to repeat a line, do so, if one paper feels complete, start another. Pay attention to your mood while draw.
- If you find yourself judging
your work, doodle with your eyes closed, or use your non-dominant hand.
It may take several tries before you loosen up. Use as much paper as
you need.
- Finished? Notice the colors, lines and shapes and how they relate to your issue. Acknowledge the emotions you felt while doodling and consider an action step. Often simply expressing feelings causes a positive shift. Take a few deep breaths before you return to work.
