IMAGE:  PublicDomainPictures.net

 

The hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

“Adulting” is not easy. Everyday there has to be a conscious effort to bring more balance into our work and life.  Coloring is an activity that can have a lot of health benefits for following reasons.  

 

Coloring Brings Us Back to a Simpler Time

The first parts of our life, coloring was such an important and enjoyable activity.  Coloring can help remind us of this time of less responsibility and actually reduce stress. 

 

Coloring Helps You Tap Into the Creative Side of Your Brain

Give your thinking brain a break! Coloring will tap into your creative brain which could have long term benefits for your analytic “thinking” brain.  Coloring “color pages” or any adult coloring books does not require you to have any artistic ability and can tap into any creative ability.   Most of us learned at a very young age how to color within the lines and it is now a habit.  Coloring can also help improve areas of the brain that are responsible for focus, concentration, and problems solving.

 

Coloring Can Be a Type of Meditation

Coloring can help you relax and reduce the chatter while focusing on the present moment. While most people may have a difficult time “meditating”, coloring can help with a state of meditation.  Meditation helps your brain enter a relaxed state by focusing on your breath and the present resulting in a state of calm that relieves your brain from the daily stresses of life. Coloring Mandalas are especially relaxing since coloring repetitive patterns and concentric circle designs can soothe the mind.

 

Coloring for Adults Helps Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

The distraction of coloring in itself can reduce symptoms associated with stress, anxiety and depression.  Coloring helps your brain relax where your thoughts are focused on the activity and less on our negative thoughts.  It allows us to become immersed in what we are doing and the repetitive patterns and colors have a soothing effect. 

 

So next time you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or out of balance, break out the crayons or color pencils and see what effects that it has for you. 

 

Are Adult Coloring Books Actually Helpful?

Adult coloring books promise stress relief

 

 

Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from University of Wyoming and her Master of Arts in Counseling, from Regis University.   Rachel has over 10 years working in the mental health field where she supervised and practiced therapy in a variety of settings including private practice, outpatient and residential programs.  Currently, she works as a Behavioral Health and EAP Care Manager with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.  Her background and areas of specialization are Substance Use Disorders, Trauma, Mood disorders, and Binge Eating.  During leisure time, she spends time with her family and enjoys using several creative outlets for balance and self-care.