How a Simple Sip & Paint Reset My Nervous System

I recently went to an influencer Sip & Paint event hosted by Canvas and Wine and Los Angeles Mommyy Events at Two Faced Ceramics in West Hollywood, and it was everything I didn’t even realize I needed. I absolutely love to paint and usually do it on my own when I get the time, but with two toddlers and being pregnant, it’s been almost a year since I sat down and let my creative juices flow through art. I left feeling like an artist again, and that was so special to me.

So many days I’m in fight or flight, and when I went to this Paint and Sip, we had just been temporarily relocated into another unit due to an ongoing toxic mold situation in our home, so my nervous system was way out of whack. Plus being six months pregnant with two toddlers… I definitely needed a break. Mom burnout was feeling so real. I take my nervous system regulation very seriously and always want to nurture my inner artist, so any opportunity to wind down and be creative, I’ll take it. This is why it’s so important for moms to take a break for some creative self care. Between the constant overstimulation and noise, it’s easy to get lost in it and forget who you really are - a creator, an artist, a woman. Finding ways to connect and create is so essential to feeling inspired and relaxed, which in turn helps me feel like a better mama to my kiddos.

Right when I got to the art studio, I was taken aback by the beauty of the space. I was stunned. It was gorgeous. Handcrafted ceramics decorated the space, painted designs graced the walls, and the table where we’d be painting our canvases was filled with fall flowers and candles. The vibe was immaculate. I was already softening into a more relaxed state just from the ambience. Students in the back room were working on their pottery, incense was burning, and art vibes filled the air. I was in heaven. Michelle @losangelesmommyy had a table spread out with delicious charcuterie boxes for us along with wine and soft drinks (I wasn’t drinking since I’m pregnant, but I can imagine that must be a fun vibe too).

After we captured some content of the setup and studio, it was time to start painting. Our lovely instructor, Tatev Barsegyan from Canvas and Wine gave us a great intro into the fall leaves we’d be painting, as her mother did the demonstration. They are such a sweet duo together. We started with three different colors and began on the background. Instantly the room got quieter as we all began to paint. The twelve of us at the table — moms, bloggers, and entrepreneurs — really leaned into that therapeutic brush stroking. You could feel all of us relax: shoulders dropping, breaths deepening, focus shifting into creating. Something you could tell we all needed. As we continued step by step and the instructor and her mom came around assisting each of us, sharing tips and techniques, there were laughs and chill conversations going on, making for the best ambience. Creating and connecting together, all nourishing our inner artists.

As busy moms and entrepreneurs, getting the opportunity to unwind our nervous systems, tap into our creative feminine energy, and activate the right side of our brains helps bring us back into balance. Plus, using our fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination (which some of us might not do as often in this day and age) has very calming and therapeutic effects. Painting provides an emotional and physical release that boosts confidence, calms the mind, and ignites joy from within. It’s a wonderful type of creative therapy for moms and entrepreneurs.

This Sip and Paint day reminded me how much I love painting, art, and being creative in my own unique way, especially with a great group of inspiring and creative women and moms. I had the opportunity to remember who I really am. An artist. And that feeling? Priceless.

Give yourself permission to play. Find a group you would love to spend a couple hours with, or look up your nearest Sip & Paint event and try it out. Your nervous system will thank you. That was my reset. Maybe you could use one too.

Check out the full instagram reel recap here: REEL

Two Faced Ceramics, Instagram: @twofacedceramics

Canvas and Wine, Instagram: @canvasandwine

Los Angeles Mommyy Events: @losangelesmommyyevents

Love and Light,

Bria