The Incredible Benefits of Mindful Tracing

When I first had the idea of tracing, my brain’s response was, “Don’t be silly. Tracing is for kindergarteners learning to write their name and draw shapes.” 

But the urge persisted, so I experimented. I created a few tracing pages that I liked and started tracing. 

I am forever grateful that I did because I have discovered a tool that is proving to be invaluable when it comes to helping me deal with anxiety, depression and overwhelm. 

As soon as I picked up a pen and started tracing, something amazing happened. It was like someone had flicked a switch off in my brain and it started to power down. I noticed my crazy, irrational thoughts started to fade into the background and my anxiety settling down. 

But apart from being a way to calm my overactive brain, I learned that tracing offers far more benefits. 

And it’s not a silly as I thought. Check out my selection of mindful tracing pages on my Etsy site HERE. 

Benefits of Tracing 

There are many benefits to be honest. Some were unexpected when I was doing the research for this post. 

Relaxation 

The first and most basic one is that tracing helps you to relax. Tracing as an activity really doesn’t require you to think too much, just enough to allow your brain to pause and relax. 

I am finding that when I trace, I end up worrying less, and I don’t listen to the crazy thoughts my brain throws at me. 

Problem Solving 

You know how sometimes you have a problem and you just can’t stop thinking about it ALL THE TIME? It’s so annoying! Sometimes it even gets to the point where nothing new is able to enter your mind and you’re stuck with no solution, just going round and round in circles. 

Well, tracing allows your brain to become distracted from focusing on the problem and to work it out by itself without you forcing the solution.  

Yeh, it sounds insane, but sometimes you just need to take a break and step away and the solution will just come to you. Tracing is a great practice to do just that!  

Creativity 

Well duh! This is of course a no-brainer. When you trace, you are flexing your creativity muscles. I always thought that I wasn’t creative, however I am learning that creativity CAN BE learned as it is a muscle, and anyone can train it and become more creative. 

Tracing is a great way to develop your creativity. 

Builds Muscle Memory

If you can’t draw, start tracing to build muscle memory. Basically, by practicing a specific action repetitively, your body starts to remember that movement so next time you engage in that activity, you’re able to perform it slightly better. 

Keep repeating the activity on a regular basis and you’ll get better and better at it. 

I’m actually teaching myself to draw through tracing. Who knew?  

Encourages Mindfulness 

When you trace, you turn off your mind and allow yourself to be in the present moment. It’s a great opportunity to practice mindfulness, especially if you think your brain keeps getting distracted. 

So next time you sit down to trace (or draw), don’t focus on the quality of your work, rather simply allow your mind to wander, your hand to flow and notice what’s going on around you (what can you see, hear, feel, smell?), as well as what is going on inside of you. What thoughts are coming to mind? What awarenesses are you having? Allow these to come and go without criticism or judgement.  

Simply trace and allow the world to continue on around you. 

 Process Emotions 

Tracing has been extremely beneficial for my mental health and dealing with emotions. When I feel my anxiety and depression rising, instead of falling in a heap and crying like a baby, I have started tracing some patterns or cute images. After a few minutes, I can feel my entire body calming down, my mind quietening and, overall, I find I am more peaceful. What once would wipe me out for hours or days at a time, I am now able to work through in about 30mins with tracing and being creative.  

Of all types of calming down techniques, be it yoga, meditation, journaling (or crying), tracing is probably my favourite one, and the most effective. 

 Alleviates Stress 

 There is something very calming about tracing and I have found it one of the best ways to reduce stress. 

Allowing yourself to trace repetitive patterns, lines, curves and shapes with no fear of making mistakes is probably what makes tracing a great way to let go of stress. 

It’s like that one activity in your life where there is no judgement or fear, just pure enjoyment and peace. 

And to me it sounds like this little moment of no stress is what we all need in our lives. 

How To Trace 

To get all those benefits, you don’t need to be amazing at tracing or even drawing - you just need to start. 

It's not about things being perfect, or looking great. In fact, when I first started tracing, I was quite surprised at how much I struggled with keeping my hand steady and staying on the lines! It’s not important how it looks, that’s not the reason we’re tracing here.  

Schedule some time for yourself, find an image, pattern or page of designs to trace and get started. I have a FREE MINDFUL TRACING PAGE available if you’d like to try it and see if tracing is for you. 

Don’t worry if you make mistakes - it doesn’t matter. 

Don’t worry if you find it challenging to stay on the lines. It doesn’t matter. 

Just enjoy yourself and have fun! 

Bev