The Benefits of Coloring

Coloring can not only help occupy children from boredom, but it also stimulates creativity. Children love to express themselves, even if it is  just a bunch of scribbles. Coloring may not be understandable to others, but for children, they become artists. Now, coloring can also help adults, especially college students, and distract them from the daily pressures of life.

Coloring helps your brain enter a meditative state and helps you focus on the moment. In return, it reduces stress and anxiety levels are potentially lower. Negative thoughts are expelled resulting in more positive feelings. It’s art therapy, the “use of art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.”

When we find a great coloring book with abstract designs, it keeps us focused on the activity at hand. It’s beneficial when we  distract ourselves from using technology for awhile. Today, everyone uses technology. Whether it’s trying to finish an assignment on their laptop or scrolling through social media for updates about friends. Statistics say, in relation for mobile connectivity “67% of cell owners find themselves checking their phones for messages, alerts, or calls - even if they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating.” During sleep, “44% of cell owners slept with their phone next to their bed because they thought they missed messages, calls or other updates during night.” Knowing that technology has a major influence in our daily life, a hobby such as coloring can stop us from using it even for just ten minutes.

Mandalas or geometric patterns have complexity and the structure grabs the adults attention for creativity and puts logic into a relaxed state. These patterns can help with stress and anxiety. Coloring patterns in a book will help turn it into actual art pieces. You can use it to decorate your dorm and show your friends your new hobby.

Coloring can be nerve-racking because sometimes you doubt that you are not actually drawing or that you are not precise when coloring the patterns. There is no skill needed. Even if you screw up coloring, there is no real consequence. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about relaxing to forget about the issues. When you finished coloring a page, there is a sense of accomplishment. It adds positivity to your everyday life.

The greatest part about coloring is that you can take it anywhere you go. If you are stressed at work, traveling, or in class, take out a coloring book and your favorite coloring utensils and start coloring. It looks silly when you color because other people may think that it is just for kids. Ignore them. Don’t be ashamed of this hobby because this helps you relax and enhance you mentally.

My therapist suggested I color when I felt anxious or stressed about my issues. I was doubtful about it, but I decided to try it out to see if it could help control my anxiety and stress. I started coloring a simple coloring book that my therapist gave me and I started to forget about all my issues and focused on making this pattern look amazing. I was satisfied when I finished coloring it and loved how it came out.

Coloring is a therapeutic way to relieve stress and anxiety. Start coloring when final exams or projects start getting overwhelming and just enjoy yourself.

Footnotes:

https://www.pocketmindfulness.com/coloring-for-adults/

https://www.colorit.com/blogs/news/85320388-amazing-benefits-of-coloring-for-adults