Any tips for alleviating drawing tension?

[ENTITY]

This is an unusual question for certain. I have a tendency to grasp everything, particularly pencils, with an unyielding grip of death. In addition, I use way too much pressure, causing lots of graphite dust (which also lead to an overabundance of smudges), constantly breaking leads and sometimes even tearing the paper on repeatedly worked areas (even bristol).



This issue is creating many problems for me. One is the adverse affect on my work. It ends up with too many sharp angles, line weight issues, difficult to repair mistakes and a general lack on consistency and flow.

Another problem it is creating is that it makes me avoid drawing quite often. I have a lifetime of abuse in my hands from combat sports, training and an ill mannered temper. This has made my hands shaky, and very lacking in the ability to be gentle or precise. Drawing for more than an hour or so a day causes me to literally smash down my index finger and thumb, then feel like I have arthritis. If I draw a couple pictures, IE- several hours, my hands can ache for up to two days. Between the discomfort and frustration of it's impact on my work, I really have to force myself to draw.

I've tried zen approaches, and concentrating on loosing my grip and applying less pressure, but this usually just distracts me from what I'm actually trying to accomplish on the paper and losing control over cohesion of my structures. Hydrocodone works quite well to help this, but is a silly ass solution; much like the drawings I make while on it.

I really can't think of any nice and easy logical remedies. Maybe someone can suggest a mystical solution or recommend particular pencils or accessories? Will the concentration and continuous practice to lighten up eventually pay off? I don't know?!

I bestow magnificent gratitude to anyone that can offer some helpful advice to alter this issue!

[The_Standard]

This won't solve all your problems but have you tried rubber pencil grips? I use them on my mechanical pencils.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/pencil-grips/

[Ed Quinby]

Y'know,I find that my grip's more relaxed and lines are more fluid when I'm inking after I've had a drink or two. This isn't a real solution,a few more drinks and ink's flying everywhere,but it might help you into a habit of a more relaxed grip.

[dfbovey]

Hold the pencil higher up.

[Breck]

Try some negative reinforcement like wrapping your pencil in little pins or something, so that every time you tighten your grip it'll sting and you'll be forced to loosen it.

[angeltread]

masturbate more

[Turtle Boat]

masturbate more

but that'll just tire your hands...ooooohhhh

[airbrushartist]

What's wrong with Grips?

[kman]

have you tried acupuncture? I've never done it myself but I've heard it can actually be pretty good for relieving joint tension and carpal tunnel and that kind of stuff. might be worth looking into.

[Voider]

Use softer leads like HB, B or 2B.