I Didn’t Think Painting Was for Me

THE BETTER ROUTINE

I Didn’t Think Painting Was for Me... But It Quieted My Mind in a Way Nothing Else Could

Written by Jason D.

Father, Operations Manager, Not an Artist

A few months ago, I found myself pacing around my kitchen at 10:47 p.m., phone in hand, aimlessly scrolling. I had just finished work late... again... and was too wired to sleep, but too tired to do anything “productive.”

My wife was already in bed. I felt numb. And I remember thinking:

“Is this it? Work, scroll, repeat?”

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a good life. A solid job. A great family, friends, etc. But mentally? I was fried. I wasn’t angry, I wasn’t depressed, I was just… drifting.

Everything felt loud. Overstimulated.

Even when I had free time, I didn’t really feel relaxed.

I tried the usual stuff, gym, podcasts, even meditation, but nothing stuck.

That is, until I stumbled on something I would’ve never expected to actually enjoy:

Paint-by-numbers

I Know... It Sounds Kinda Ridiculous

I thought it was a hobby for bored retirees or wine night with girlfriends. But I saw a video of a guy who used it to disconnect from his phone and find his inner peace, and I figured, why not?

Worst case, I waste $40 and have some brushes lying around.

But that first weekend?

It shut off the mental noise in a way I hadn’t felt in years.

Here’s Why It Actually Worked for Me (And Maybe Will for You Too)

1. It gave my brain something just hard enough to focus on

It wasn’t mindless, but it also wasn’t frustrating.

You’re just filling in little sections, one by one.

And before I knew it—no emails, no Slack pings, no overthinking. Just me, some music, and paint.

2. It got me off my phone for hours (without noticing)

This was huge.

I didn’t even feel the urge to check it.

And I usually can't go 20 minutes without glancing at a notification, until I eventually (if we have to be honest)... start scrolling.

3. It gave me a tangible win

We don’t talk about this as men...

But finishing something that isn’t work-related felt surprisingly good.

I stepped back from that canvas and thought, “Damn. I made that.” Haven’t felt that kind of pride in a while.

It felt good!

4. It let me be creative without being ‘artsy’

I’m not a creative guy. I don’t draw. I don’t play music.

But this? It gave me just enough structure that I didn’t feel lost, but enough freedom to feel like I was doing something expressive.

That’s a rare middle ground.

5. It became my time

No distractions.

No “you should be doing something else.”

Just a few quiet hours on a Saturday where I could fully relax... guilt-free.

6. It actually helped my focus during the week

Weirdly enough, I started noticing I was calmer during meetings.

More patient with my kids. Less triggered by little things.

I wasn’t meditating, but my mind felt quieter.

I promise I’m not exaggerating ahaha.

7. It reminded me I’m more than just a machine

This one’s hard to explain, but it kind of reconnected me with something I didn’t realize I missed.

The part of me that just likes building, making, creating… not for money, or status, just because it feels good.

Paint By Numbers Kit

Rated 4.8/5 based on 502+ reviews

✅ Helps you unplug without even realizing it
✅ Zero artistic skills required
✅ Clinically proven to reduce stress by 53%
✅ Brings nature's calm indoors

Check Availability →

Sell-out Risk:

| Only 42 Kits Left

No, I’m Not Turning into Bob Ross...

I’m still me. Still busy. Still stressed sometimes. But now, when things feel overwhelming, I have something that actually helps me reset, without forcing it.

If You’re Curious, Try It

The company I used is called Wander Painting.

The kits are super straightforward, the quality was legit, and it didn’t feel like I was getting upsold every step of the way.

I grabbed a mountain landscape for my first one. Took me maybe 5 hours total over a couple weekends. I’ve done two more since.

It’s weirdly addictive... in the best way.

If you’re like me, a guy who doesn’t think of himself as “creative”, I’d just say:

“don’t knock it ‘til you try it.”