Eight Reasons to Draw Even When You Think You Can't

I did something unusual the other day. I drew pictures to explain an idea to my boss and co-workers. It was unusual, you see, because there are certain things I don't do in the presence of other people. I don't sing. I don't dance. I don't do math. I don't draw. Except now I do. Draw, that is. I still don't sing, dance, or do math in public. Let's not go crazy.

Trust me when I say that these were not good drawings. Nothing fancy or detailed. But I didn't care about that. This was a MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH. After years of consuming self-help books and recent exposure to some sweet, encouraging artists, I finally had the creative courage to share my limited drawing talent. And, as it turns out, it was an effective way to communicate. And it was fun. And it was enough to make me want to keep drawing. And most of all, it inspired this post to encourage you, dear reader, to pick up a drawing habit if you don't already have one. Even if you have no intention of sharing your drawings with anyone for any reason, drawing is still a good practice.

Why a Drawing Habit is Good for Your Health, Happiness, and Productivity

1. It makes your brain better. Drawing is like yoga for the brain. Studies have shown that when we draw, certain areas of the brain light up, promoting the development of neural pathways. This cerebral exercise not only improves creativity but also enhances cognitive functions like memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills. The connections formed during drawing practice can lead to improved overall brain function and better cognitive performance in other aspects of life.

2. It can lower stress. The act of drawing can be calming and meditative, leading to stress reduction and improved emotional well-being. Engaging in art activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, which can lessen feelings of anxiety and stress. Mindful drawing is good for relaxation and self-expression. Draw away those negative emotions!

3. It improves focus. Drawing requires concentration and attention to detail. Heavy focus on your artwork can lead to a flow state (See Finding Happiness and Flow and Immersion and Set Yourself Up for Flow.) You get the benefits of flow and the focusing super-powers you use when you draw can come with you to other tasks that require concentration (like math).

4. It builds problem-solving skills. When artists see a blank canvas, paper, or screen, they face visual challenges like perspective, composition, and form. By working through these challenges, they hone their ability to think outside the box and create innovative solutions. These problem-solving skills are transferable to life situations at home and work.

5. It enhances coordination. The physical act of drawing involves precise control of hand movements and coordination between the eyes and hands. As you refine your drawing skills, your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination improve. These improvements can lead to practical benefits, like better handwriting, a steadier hand in everyday tasks, and increased proficiency in other activities that require precise motor control (for example, needlework, painting, or banjo playing).

6. It improves your creativity. Drawing is a gateway to creativity and imagination. Through drawing, you can bring the visions in your mind to life (like I did for my boss). Nurturing creativity through drawing encourages a "what if" mindset, boosting creative curiosity and the exploration of new ideas and innovative concepts.

7. It helps your memory. When you draw from memory or imagination, you exercise your brain's visual memory and visualization capabilities. This practice strengthens the neural connections related to memory and improves the brain's ability to recall information and visualize complex scenarios. As a result, people with a drawing habit may experience improved memory retention and vivid mental imagery.

8. It makes you better at drawing. Drawing is not a god-given talent for a chosen few. It is a skill that can be learned. Like any skill, you need to practice to get better at it. To draw better, draw more.

Here are a couple of books (paid links) that I recommend for novice drawers who don't know where to start and need a boost of creative courage:

• The Back of the Napkin: Solving problems and selling ideas with pictures by Dan Roam. This is more about visual thinking than drawing, but it does help you understand how to present a complex topic visually using simple lines and shapes.

• 20 Ways to Draw Everything: With 135 nature themes from cats and tigers to tulips and trees by Lisa Congdon, Julia Kuo, and Eloise Renouf. This is not a how-to draw book. The authors simply provide many simple illustrations of a thing (like a tulip) and leave room for you to draw your own version.

Now, go grab some paper. Pick up your favorite pen, pencil, or marker. Start making marks and shapes and doodles. Get ready to feel a little better.

A drawing of an old coffee cup holding a bunch of Sharpies (not french fries). I'm being vulnerable in sharing this to give you the courage to draw without worrying about if it's good or not. Just draw.