Creative Coping Tool for Anxious Moms: Riding the Waves
Hello beautiful mamas! I'm Kayla, a fellow mom and expressive art therapy counsellor who helps mothers use art and journaling to navigate the waves of mom anxiety and overwhelm.
Today, I'm sharing a gentle creative practice that you can use when motherhood feels like too much.
As someone who understands the weight of mom anxiety firsthand, I've designed this exercise to give you practical tools and inspiration for those moments when you need to breathe, release, and reconnect with yourself through creative expression.
You can find a video demonstration of this practice on my YouTube channel: [Video Link Coming Soon]
Waves of Motherhood: A Creative Check-In for Moms
Anxiety in motherhood feels like riding waves. Some days are calm; others crash down. You're weighed down by shame, perfectionism, expectations, trauma, and "good mom" myths. You don't need to empty your backpack, but today, try setting down one rock. Grab a floatie, breathe, scribble, or journal. Creativity isn't just a hobby - it's a lifeline.
Create Your Creative Space
Since this is all about releasing anxiety and finding calm, let's start by making a gentle space for yourself, mama. Dim those harsh overhead lights (we get enough of those!), light a candle if you've got one, and maybe put on that playlist that makes your shoulders drop. You know the one.
Gather Your Art Supplies
Here's what you'll need for this art journaling activity:
Paper or an art journal
Something to color with: markers, pastels or paint
The Art Journal Prompt
Brain Dump:
“Lately, I’ve been feeling…”
“If I could throw one thing into the sea and never see it again, it would be…”
“I’m tired of pretending that…”
“I wish someone would just…”
“One thing that helped me once was…”
Quick Mindfulness
Inhale for 4. Hold for 4. Exhale for 6.
Ask: What does my body feel like right now?
Let that answer guide your next move.
Art Prompt: “Draw the Wave”
Any tool will do. Pen, eyeliner, crayon. Draw the wave you’re riding today.
It doesn’t have to be pretty.
It just has to be real.
Reflection Questions:
When did I last feel like me?
What am I pretending is “normal” that’s actually hurting me?
If my anxiety had a color or sound, what would it be?
What’s one thing I can stop doing today in the name of peace?
You Don’t Have to Fix Everything, Mama
You just have to stop holding it all in.
You can:
Say the hard thing
Doodle with your kid
Cry in the bathtub
Ask for help
Make something small
Feel something big
That is healing. That is how the light comes back into your eyes.
Creative Healing Journey: Tools for Anxious Moms
Join the supportive community of creative moms:
Follow @kayla.huszar for humorous, real mom life
Download your FREE "5-Minute Mom Check-In Guide"
Remember: Your creativity matters. Your feelings matter. You matter.
Creativity and care,
Kayla
Disclaimer: This site contains some affiliate links. I get a little moola in exchange for creating this content and you get cool book and product recommendations at no extra cost to you!
This information is for educational purposes only. Kayla cannot provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique situation or circumstances. Therefore, nothing on this page or website should replace therapeutic recommendations or personalized advice. If you require such services, please consult with a medical or therapeutic provider to determine what's best for you. Kayla cannot be held responsible for your use of this website or its contents. Please never disregard or delay seeking medical or therapeutic treatment because of something you read or accessed through this website.
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