I agree emphatically with the spirit (and especially title) of this article. I'm a programmer and Physicist, and until a couple of years ago never really did an

I agree emphatically with the spirit (and especially title) of this article. I'm a programmer and Physicist, and until a couple of years ago never really did any activity apart from computer-based, even to relax, and certainly never thought of myself as someone who 'could draw'. I took up Photography in a deliberate attempt to give myself a (non-computer) creative outlet, but found that I really easily slipped into the technical side of it (for which there are many, many opportunities). Then, I went to a free sampler and then started going to a Life Drawing class (we have the benefit of a very good community locally, and is all drop-in, so no long courses to commit to). You don't need to jump all the way to painting, even just the very basics of charcoal of pencil I found incredibly relaxing, and it was certainly nice to spend decent quantities of time away from the computer. One thing I think is key, is to realise that drawing and art is a skill like any other - very few people will find a "natural aptitude" (if such a thing exists) and it's purely practice - I'm happy if my drawings show a general trend of improvement, even though individual days or weeks may be a high or low point. There is no pressure to produce a 'decent picture' from anyone except myself, and I'm the only real judge of that - people will always like, or dislike, ANY art. Even if it's not art or drawing, I think there is definitely massive benefit in completely changing from your usual routine occasionally. It can only be healthy.