Create Your Own Joy Bingo Board

A Simple Way to Boost Your Mood

This winter, I created a Joy Bingo board to encourage myself to get out and do activities I enjoy but often need an extra nudge to actually follow through on. Especially during the long, cold Minnesota winters, having an extra incentive to break my routine makes a big difference.

Each time I completed an activity, I checked it off on the bingo board. By the end of the season, I’d filled in nearly every square—and not coincidentally, I had one of the best winters in recent memory in terms of mood and energy.

So, for this Spring, I created a new Joy Bingo board, and I’d love for you to join me!

How to make your own Joy Bingo board

1. Make a grid

I start by drawing a 5 x 5 grid on a piece of paper—just hand-drawn lines. (Though if wobbly lines make your eye twitch, feel free to break out a ruler and go full precision mode.) You could also do a 3 x 3 version if that feels more doable. I always include a “free space” in the center square, just like a classic bingo board.

2. Fill in the squares with text

Next, I write in activities that bring me happiness or enjoyment—especially the ones where I need a little extra nudge to actually get out and do them. I write the text toward the top of each square so there’s room underneath for a little illustration later on.

3. Draw in the squares (optional)

Next, I like to add a little drawing in the square below the text. It’s totally optional—if that part doesn’t sound fun to you, feel free to skip it.

4. Add color (optional)

To make your board a little more lively and playful, grab your favorite coloring tools—markers, colored pencils, paint, or whatever you enjoy. But if that feels like too much, there’s no need to do this step to make a Joy Bingo board.

Since watercolor brings me joy, so I decided to watercolor my bingo board this month:

5. Start playing bingo

I hang my Bingo board on the wall next to where I work so I see it often and remember to actually do the things on it. I check off each square as I complete it.

Here’s my first Joy Bingo board which was more basic than my new one (and worked just as well!):

What happens if you get “bingo?” For me, the reward is an increased engagement with the world and happiness! But if you want to give yourself a concrete reward, I’m all for that too.

Building Sustainable Creative Habits

The Joy Bingo board is a simple but powerful way to bring more joy and structure into your life. While it’s not directly about creative practice, it’s a perfect example of how small habits and intentional actions can help you feel more connected, happier, and less stressed. And let’s not underestimate the satisfying power of checking something off—it always helps me get more done.

As a coach for comics creators, I am a big believer in the power of healthy habits—whether they’re for your personal life or your creative practice. If you’re looking to build habits that support both your art and your well-being, I’d love to help.

Share your Joy Bingo in the chat

I’ve started a Substack chat thread where you can share your own joy bingo board with other Creating Comics subscribers. I’d love to see your’s if you make one!

Leif Love

While Leif’s been splashing around in the Mississippi, I’m eagerly awaiting warmer weather so we can all take the plunge into the local lakes—because I’m definitely not taking any chances with the Mississippi!

Take care and keep creating!

-Katharine

P.S. A reminder that my graphic novel adaptation of Tuck Everlasting is available for pre-order! Pre-orders make a big difference in a book’s success, so if you’re planning to get a copy, I’d be so grateful if you ordered it soon.