Doodling My Way To Wellness Beyond Lupus

Does anyone remember as a child how you would just sit and doodle? We would doodle during class getting out nervous energy. Doodling, often seen as a mindless pastime, silently nurtured my young mind. As a child I can remember filling notebooks and margins with swirls, and shapes, unaware of the hidden benefits. Oftentimes doodling helped me focus during lectures, calmed my restless energy at events and allowed my mind to wander creatively. It also served as a mini stress reliever. Like a silent outlet for my emotions too big to express.

Perhaps most importantly, doodling sparked my imagination. Those seemingly insignificant scribbles were the seeds of some of my best creativity. It helped me with problem solving skills, and a lifelong love of expression.

The “art” of coping with lupus

Living with lupus always means managing pain, fatigue, and stress. For me, It can all be so overwhelming. Over time, I discovered that art, especially doodling, could be an outlet to relieve my symptoms. Doodling might seem simple, but it’s become one of my most effective coping mechanisms.

Discovering the power of art therapy

I learned about art therapy when I was a behavioral therapist. Using art, I was able to help others transform how they dealt with their trauma. Art therapy has been used for years to help people express emotions that are often difficult to put into words. I learned when art is created, a pathway is open to explore our feelings. Furthermore, it can help to reduce stress, and even lower physical pain. Through various forms of creative expression, like drawing, painting, or even simple doodling, art therapy offers an emotional release that can be especially powerful for us as lupus warriors.

Lupus issues and doodling

The physical pain, cognitive fog, and waves of emotions that come with lupus aren’t easy to process. I know for me, I wanted to try anything and everything to lessen the effects. I’ve found that doodling allows me to express what I’m going through without needing to find the “right” words. In fact, as I focus on the gentle, rhythmic motions of my pen to paper, my mind wanders. As a result, I calm down and shift my focus away from whatever discomfort I am in.

Some Benefits of doodling for me

Stress reduction

Doodling is a calming and meditative activity for me. It helps me to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a focus for my mind. When I'm feeling overwhelmed by lupus symptoms or the challenges of daily life, I often turn to doodling to help me relax and unwind.

Pain management

In reality pain is a constant issue of dealing with lupus. Doodling has been a distraction technique. It helps to take my mind off that physical discomfort. The act of creating something, no matter how simple, provides a sense of accomplishment. In turn, my mood is boosted and it helps me with pain management.

Improved mood

The way doodling has boosted my mood is by the release of endorphins. Those natural mood elevators help me to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Better cognitive function

Additionally, doodling has helped to improve focus and concentration, especially during a lupus fog. It helps to tap into my brain's creative side. Furthermore, promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Self-expression

Finally, doodling has become a very powerful tool for my self-expression. I’ve been able to communicate and release thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-verbal way. This has been helpful for my mind, body and soul.

How doodling eases my lupus symptoms

For me, stress management is crucial. Doodling has become my go to technique for several reasons. Firstly, it doesn’t require a lot of energy. Some days, fatigue makes it hard to do much of anything, but doodling only requires a pen and a piece of paper. Therefore, I can do it even from my bed. The simplicity makes it accessible and manageable on my low energy days. For me, doodling works like meditation, helping me center myself and reduce anxiety about what I can’t control in my body.

Doodling is a daily practice

Adding doodling to my routine has made a difference. It’s become a daily practice, helping me ground myself and feel a bit more in control of my emotions and symptoms. I recommend giving it a try, even if you don’t consider yourself “artistic”. The beauty of doodling is that it doesn’t need to be perfect. Each stroke, curve, and shape serves a purpose, helping you process emotions, reduce stress, and find a little escape from the demands of lupus.

Incorporating doodling into your lupus management plan

Would you ever consider incorporating doodling into your management plan? If so, here are a few tips to get started:

• Keep it Simple: Don't worry about creating a masterpiece. Even simple doodles can be therapeutic.
• Experiment with Different Materials: Try using different pens, pencils, and markers to find what works best for you.
• Set Aside Doodling Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for doodling, even if it's just for a few minutes.
• Join a Doodling Community: Connect with other doodlers online or in person to share your work and inspire each other.

Mind and body impact

In conclusion, in this lupus world everything can feel unpredictable. Doodling has provided a gentle, steady rhythm that helps me reclaim a sense of calm. Whether it’s lines, shapes, or colors, doodling has offered me a therapeutic escape. Doodling may seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to doodle. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and let your creativity flow. By incorporating doodling into your lupus management plan, you may find that it can help you cope a little better with lupus issues.

So, get a pen and paper and give yourself permission to doodle away. Your mind and body might just thank you.