Art Journal Exercise: When Finding “Me Time” Feels Impossible
Hello friends! Today I’m going to show you how to carve out some much-needed “me time” when it feels like a distant dream.
I’m Kayla, an Expressive Art Therapist who helps moms manage the chaos of motherhood through creativity. The exercise I’m sharing here will give you practical ideas and inspiration to create therapeutic art that helps you reclaim personal space, recharge, and tackle the day with a little more energy (and a lot less stress).
Follow along as we dive into this art journal exercise and discover how to find those elusive moments of calm amidst the demands of motherhood.
Finding “Me Time” When It Feels Impossible
Feel like you're always running on empty with zero time for yourself? Let’s get creative and figure out how to steal those precious, hard-to-find moments of peace. Together, we'll reclaim your personal space so you can recharge and handle the chaos of your day with a little more energy—and a lot less stress.
Art Materials You'll Need:
A piece of paper or a journal
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons (whatever feels fun to you)
Scissors (optional, for shaping your “Do Not Disturb” sign)
Stickers, washi tape, or any fun embellishments (because why not?)
Glue or tape (to hang your sign somewhere you’ll see it)
Keep it simple or get as fancy as you want—this is your time, after all!
Art Journal Exercise for Alone Time: Do Not Disturb (seriously)
1. Do a Brain Dump
Finish the following statements with your first thoughts:
The last time I had uninterrupted alone time was when…
The thing that usually stops me from having time for myself is…
When I think about carving out time just for me, I feel…
The person or thing that demands the most of my attention is…
When I’m burnt out, I usually recharge by…
If I had 15 minutes to myself right now, I would…
Guilt affects my ability to prioritize myself by…
A small boundary I could set today to protect my personal time is…
After I spend time alone, I feel…
If I had 30 minutes of uninterrupted “me time,” my day would…
2. Visualization Exercise
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Picture yourself in your ideal space—your sanctuary. Maybe it’s your bedroom, a cozy corner of your home, or somewhere outdoors. Imagine there’s a clear “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, and no one can cross that boundary. As you settle into this place, notice how your body relaxes. There’s no need to do anything or be anywhere. You’re free. How do you feel in this space? What do you want to do with this moment of solitude? Hold onto this feeling of safety and calm as we move into creative exploration.
3. CREATIVE PRACTICE: Choose either the art journal prompt or the written journal prompt
Art Journal Prompt
Create a “Do Not Disturb” sign that embodies the kind of space you need for yourself. Use colors, textures, and words that resonate with you. Is your space peaceful or playful? Do you need silence or background music? Let your art represent the boundaries and energy you want to cultivate when it comes to undisturbed “me time.”
Journal Prompt
Reflect on the barriers that make personal time feel like a fantasy. What can you let go of to make room for yourself? Write about one change you could implement today to prioritize yourself, even if it feels small. Explore how this change could ripple through other areas of your life, making you feel more grounded.
5. Reflection Journal Questions
What did I notice about myself while creating my “Do Not Disturb” sign?
What feelings came up during the visualization of my personal space?
What boundaries am I resisting, and why?
How would regular “me time” impact the way I show up for others?
What will I call my personal alone time to honor its importance?
That “Do Not Disturb” sign you made? It’s not just a cute idea—it’s a bold reminder that you deserve time to breathe, create, and just be you. So hang it up, honor it, and remember that you’re worth more than just squeezing in scraps of time between everyone else’s needs.
Finding time for alone time as a mom can feel like chasing a unicorn - completely mythical and just out of reach.
But here’s the truth: your “me time” matters, and it’s not something you should feel guilty about. In fact, it’s the key to showing up as the best version of you (and not just the one running on fumes and caffeine).
Ready to (finally) prioritize yourself without the guilt?
Join Motherload, where we’re all about embracing the messy, beautiful, and sometimes ridiculous reality of motherhood—while carving out space for the real you. It’s not about having it all together; it’s about finding creative ways to thrive in the middle of it all.
Want in? Message me your email or drop a comment, and I’ll send over the sign-up link. (I promise, no spam—just the good stuff. You can peace out whenever you want, because consent matters!)
Looking to start your own collection of art journal supplies but not sure where to begin? Click here to visit my Amazon storefront, where I’ve curated a selection of easy-to-choose materials to get you started!
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.
© 2024 Kayla Huszar - All Rights Reserved.
