How Art Helps Regulate Your Nervous System
Stress doesn’t just live in your mind - it lives in your body. You feel it in tight shoulders, a racing heart, shallow breathing, or that restless energy that makes it hard to focus. Over the years, I’ve discovered that one of the simplest, most effective ways to calm both my mind and body is through creating art. Not for display, not for perfection, but just for myself.
When I sit down with my paints, pencils, or markers, I notice that the way I move my hands and the types of marks I make are deeply connected to how I feel. Circular, frantic scribbles often appear when I’m anxious or overwhelmed. Jagged, sharp lines show up when I’m frustrated or angry. And when I feel calmer, softer strokes, smoother blending, or gentle layering emerge almost automatically. Art becomes a mirror for my nervous system—a way to observe and regulate myself in real time.
The subtle power of intuitive expression
What’s beautiful about therapeutic art is that it bypasses overthinking. Words are processed by the analytical part of your brain, which can get stuck, especially when you’re busy, stressed, or neurodivergent. Art, on the other hand, goes straight to your emotional and sensory experience. A ten-minute session can help you release tension, notice what’s brewing inside, and shift your energy in ways that journaling or meditation sometimes can’t.
Even small actions can make a big difference. I sometimes start with grids or simple warm-ups, just letting my hand move freely across the page. By noticing the shapes, colors, and textures, I can see patterns I wasn’t conscious of. Over time, I’ve learned to predict how certain marks and movements affect my mood: how certain colors calm me, or how layered textures help me process layered emotions. And vice versa, certain marks and colors can show me details and nuances of what I’m thinking and feeling, giving me valuable insight.
How Internal Landscapes guides you
Internal Landscapes takes this same concept and makes it practical and accessible for anyone. Through intuitive, guided exercises, the course teaches you to recognize your own emotional cues in your art. You’ll learn how to use simple techniques to release tension, shift energy, and reconnect with yourself, all through creativity. The process is structured enough to be effective, but flexible enough to honor your own pace, style, and personal expression.
You don’t need to be an “artist” or spend hours to feel the benefits. Even short, consistent sessions give your nervous system a chance to reset, your mind a chance to declutter, and your emotions a chance to surface in a safe, contained way.
Internal Landscapes is designed for people who want to use art as a tool for self-awareness and emotional clarity. It’s a guided, intuitive, and approachable way to connect with yourself through visual expression. If you’ve ever felt stressed, scattered, or disconnected from your own feelings, this course shows you how to notice, reflect, and regulate—all through creative practice. Learn more here.
