Many of you haven’t picked up a pen to draw something since elementary school, but that is about to change!

A small study from 2007 had participants list 10 of their biggest worries and then spend 20 minutes drawing something or looking through art. The group that was drawing reported a greater improvement in negative mood symptoms.

Another small study, this one from 2016, had people do 45 minutes of art therapy. They were sculpting clay, making collages, or drawing. Those who participated in the art therapy had lower cortisol levels and felt much more relaxed.

So, grab a marker or a pen and get to drawing!