Create your calm

The Zentangle Method is a simple and enjoyable art form created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts in 2005 in Massachusetts, America. It’s an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to create beautiful images using structured patterns called “Tangles,” usually drawn on a small 3.5-inch square piece of card known as a “Tile.”

By using repetitive pen strokes and focusing on drawing one line at a time, Zentangle helps to quiet the busy part of the mind and brings your attention into the present moment. It encourages you to relax, stay focused on the process, and let go of worrying about the end result.

Because the method is so accessible, it can have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while supporting relaxation, creativity, and focus.

Meditation is about focusing the front of the mind on one simple task, so the rest of the mind can become calm and quiet. It helps to settle the mental chatter and create a sense of peace. Zentangle needs concentration and focus, and in doing so it allows the creative part of the brain to relax and roam more freely.

When attending a class with a Certified Zentangle Teacher, which is called a CZT, you will be shown how to draw ‘Tangles’ using very basic shapes which everybody can draw and by focusing on deliberate pen strokes to draw repetitive patterns you will be able to enjoy the simple creative process, slow down and focus to shut out all the external noise and become totally engrossed in Tangling. Each Certified Zentangle Teacher has attended a course with the founders of the Zentangle method and can then pass their knowledge and experience on through their classes.

Sometimes people mistake Zentangle for doodling but for me, I believe there is a difference, doodling is done in a mindless way without focus or any particular direction while Zentangle follows simple steps and uses deliberate predefined pen strokes to create patterns and can form part of a mindful meditative practice. 

 I’ve taught thousands of people, and one of the best parts of a class is hearing how energised they feel afterwards. Many are genuinely surprised that they’ve created something so beautiful, often saying, “Did I really draw that?”—especially when they came in thinking they weren’t artistic, couldn’t draw, or that the patterns would be too complicated or time-consuming to learn.

The Zentangle Method can be used in many different settings. In schools, it supports children with creativity, concentration, coordination, and focus. It can be especially helpful during times of stress or overwhelm, such as when preparing for exams, as it encourages students to slow down, refocus, and better retain what they are learning.
In the workplace, it can support team building, help strengthen connections between staff, encourage creative problem solving, and improve focus and productivity.

It is also used by charities, retirement communities, and health services as part of mindful, creative activities, helping to encourage relaxation and support the management of stress, anxiety, and even pain.

It can also be a helpful activity within mental health support settings, including groups supporting those experiencing low mood, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, offering a gentle, structured way to focus the mind, express creativity, and find moments of calm and grounding.

I have been Tangling for over 15 years and I have experienced a variety of benefits but as everyone is different their experience can be different. When I first started Tangling it was with the aim to help with reducing my daily stress, anxiety levels and sleeping issues. I quickly noticed that I was sleeping much better, I wasn’t feeling tense all the time and I actually looked forward to an hour or two for myself to sit and enjoy my Tangle time. I’ve also noticed that my creative side has blossomed. 

I realised that if I can feel these benefits then maybe so can others and I’ve listed some of the reported benefits below:

Zentangle can help with relaxation and focus

Be calming and meditative

Encourage mindfulness and wellbeing

Boost creativity, confidence and dexterity

Assist with stress relief and pain management

Can help with anxiety and depression

Team building and problem solving 

Some of my students have told me that the classes have been a life saver and they have also experienced benefits while on their Zentangle adventure. Lots of students have said that the social side of attending classes have been helpful for their mental health and by taking an hour or two for a class helps set them up for the trials and tribulations of the week which can show that Zentangle can be used as a tool for wellbeing and mindfulness. 

To learn more about Zentangle, Maria and Rick check out their website here