Here’s a little abstract doodling exercise that anyone can do.
Simply divide a page of your sketchbook up into four with masking tape. (Don’t use cello tape as it will tear the paper when you remove it.)
Next, take a pencil and randomly scribble around the four boxes. Then, do the same with a felt tip pen.
For the colour, I used a combination of oil and chalk pastels. (Mainly oil.) But you could use watercolour paint, acrylic, markers – whatever you feel like using. Just don’t try to think about it too much. Let your subconscious do the work.
Remember, this exercise is about the process of doing art as a mindfulness activity, not the result.
You don’t have to divide your page into four. Do as few or as many shapes as you want.
When you feel you’ve finished, gently peel off the masking tape and – Ta-daaahhh! Behold your masterpiece. Guaranteed to give you a little dopamine hit. (The pleasure/reward chemical in your brain.)
It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s extremely relaxing and gratifying.
Your finished work may not get hung in the Tate Modern, but that was never the objective in the first place. Doing art for its own sake and the mental wellbeing it brings was.
David Milligan-Croft
Thereisnocavalry 
Fun exercise.
I LOVE this idea. I will be trying this as soon as I get a chance. I can see how it would let you control your actions but accept that the results emerge as they will. I am trying to follow this path in all I do at this stage of my life. Thank you.
Me too, Claudia! Letting go and just going with (and adapting to) the flow of things, can be difficult at times, but it’s also very rewarding, as I’m sure you’ve discovered. I’m also very curious about letting the un(sub)conscious mind play. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to look at, but it’s the practise itself that is fun.
More and more I just want to try things and see where my mind goes. I think you are great at finding this kind of art activity, and I appreciate your posting them.