Pick Up a Pen, Lift Your Health: The Science-Backed Benefits of Drawing

November 21, 2025

Because I represent the left-brain side of the UnchainedBrainz duo, I wanted to spend some time today exploring what science says about why drawing is so good for you.

1. Drawing Reduces Stress, Regardless of Skill Level

If you're searching for ways to reduce stress, drawing is one of the simplest, most accessible mindfulness tools available.

A 2016 study by Kaimal, Ray & Muniz found that 45 minutes of artmaking significantly lowers cortisol, the stress hormone -- and skill level didn’t matter at all.

Key benefits for stress relief:

Improves energy
Promotes relaxation and better sleep
Supports emotional regulation
Reduces inflammation

Who knew there was so much power in a pen?

2. Drawing Boosts Creativity and Cognitive Flexibility

Multiple studies (Bolwerk et al., 2014, Beaty et al., 2014) demonstrate that relaxed drawing, the kind with zero pressure and no expectations, activates the brain’s default mode network, the region tied to imagination and problem-solving.

This means even simple doodling can:

Spark new ideas
Improve creative thinking
Build cognitive flexibility
Increase curiosity

Your imperfect drawings aren’t mistakes; they’re gateways to unleashing your creativity.

3. Even Simple Doodles Activate the Brain’s Reward Centers

Drexel University researchers found that simple mark-making activates the brain’s reward pathways, increasing feelings of pleasure and well-being (Drexel University, 2017).

You don’t need to draw realistically to feel the benefits, your brain just loves that you’re creating.

4. Drawing Improves Mindfulness and Helps You See the World Differently

Drawing naturally enhances observational attention, encouraging you to slow down and notice details you’d otherwise miss.

Suddenly, you see things differently. You make connections between events, people, ideas like you haven’t before. Things become more interesting.

Drawing helps you feel more present, and more connected to your day.

5. Drawing Together Builds Connection and Strengthens Relationships

One of the most beautiful, and lesser-known, benefits of drawing is its power to create connection.

Research shows collaborative art-making boosts feelings of closeness and can even increase bonding hormones like oxytocin (Melton et al., 2019; Springham et al., 2014). Participatory art practices also enhance social connectedness (Gingrich et al., 2024).

Even if your drawing looks unrecognizable, the connection it creates is real.

6. Drawing Builds Confidence

Every time you draw, especially when you’re out of practice, you strengthen your creative courage. You teach your brain: “I can try things without needing to be perfect.”

I always tell my kids, “Practice makes perfect.” While perfection may not be truly attainable, it’s the act of striving for perfection that expands your boundaries and improves confidence. While my attempts at drawing are far from perfection, I find the more I do it, the further I push myself.

And the confidence you build with drawing also spills into other areas of life including work, relationships, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience.

Start Reaping the Rewards of Drawing Today!

If you are looking for a way to relax and minimize stress or create more meaningful connections with your loved ones, try drawing. You don’t need talent. You don’t need experience. You simply need a pen, a few minutes, and the willingness to just start somewhere.

At UnchainedBrainz, we create tools that help people reconnect with their creativity and each other. Products like Memory Mix offer a gentle, low-pressure way to start experiencing the benefits of drawing with your friends and family, no artistic skill required.

Gather your people (or just yourself) and begin building meaningful, creative moments.
It’s never too late to draw together.
It’s never too late to spark connection.
It’s never too late to experience the benefits of drawing.