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Nov 2010  |  By Arlyn Miller  |  Comments

20-Minute Timeout: Scribble Your Way to Relaxation

Stuck inside and looking for a way to de-stress?

Try this simple exercise suggested by Buffalo Grove artist and teacher, Jackie Neumann, that will help you unwind.

Begin with a sheet of paper of any size and any drawing tool. Make continuous large and small sweeping motions with the drawing tool. “I usually tell my students to try to use the whole sheet of paper,” Jackie says. “It’s a lot more fun if you don’t look while you are doing the exercise.”   When you’ve finished scribbling, look at your creation to see if you can pick out possible hidden pictures. You might be surprised at what you find and may even be inspired to color or fill in your designs. “Out of scribbles have come faces, birds, houses, even dogs!” Jackie relates.

Jackie often uses this method, suitable for people of any age, with kids.  “It’s a way to relax and connect with the paper and feel comfortable and ready to move on to the next planned lesson.” For busy adults, that next lesson may be work, carpooling, or the myriad of other things we do in our busy grown-up lives.  

Jackie Neumann lives in Buffalo Grove, where she teaches special education at Tripp Elementary School.  She also teaches private art lessons for kids.  You can find out about lessons by e-mailing Jackie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .