Coloring Coloring for Adults Relaxation
For many of us,stress is a daily reality. We live in a fast-paced world where it feels like there's always something to worry about. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to help manage your stress levels. One effective stress-reduction technique is coloring. Here's how it works.
When you color, you focus on the present moment and engage your creative side. The deliberate act of coloring can help to quiet your mind and ease anxiety. And art therapists agree unlike some other forms of stress relief, such as exercise or meditation, coloring is low-pressure and low-commitment. All you need is a few sheets of paper and some crayons (or colored pencils, markers, etc.), and you're good to go with the mental health-promoting activity!
Download coloring pages here
Coloring page downloads themed around fun, fashion and friendship.
Art therapy: How to Color for Stress Relief
There's no right or wrong way to color for stress relief. Just find a design that appeals to you and start filling in the lines. If you're feeling anxious or stressed, try focusing on your breath as you color. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, then breathe out through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this until you feel yourself begin to relax.
Could art therapy help with anxiety?
Not sure what design to choose? There are tons of great coloring books specifically designed for adults that offer Mandalas, geometric patterns, nature scenes, and more. If you'd prefer something less structured, try printing out some free coloring pages from the internet. A quick Google search will turn up plenty of results. Or if you're feeling really creative, grab a blank sheet of paper and make your own design!
The benefits of coloring can also extend to children too just like many self-care activities for young people.
7 Benefits of using an adult coloring book
1. Coloring can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
The repetitive motion of coloring can help to calm your mind and focus your attention. Take your mind of daily stress and provide an outlet for negative emotions.
2. Coloring can help to improve focus and concentration.
Research has shown that coloring can help improve focus and concentration. When children are coloring, they are typically focused on the task at hand, which can help improve their ability to stay on task and concentrate. Works for grown-ups too.
3. Coloring can help to boost mood and energy levels.
In one study, participants were asked to color a mandala for 20 minutes. Results showed that those who colored had lower levels of anxiety and elevated levels of mood and energy.
4. Coloring can help to increase creativity and imagination.
This is definitely true! Coloring can help to increase creativity and imagination because it allows for someone to be creative with the colors that they choose to use. It can also help to imagine different scenarios and scenes while coloring.
5. Coloring can help to promote relaxation.
The act of coloring helps to focus the mind and allows adults to explore their creative side. In addition, coloring can be a form of mindfulness, providing a much-needed break from the demands of daily life.
6. Coloring can help to reduce negative thoughts and feelings.
The act of coloring requires focus and concentration, which can help to quiet the mind and allow stressful thoughts and emotions to fade away.
7. Coloring can help to promote a sense of well-being.
The act of creating something beautiful can boost self-esteem and confidence, leading to a sense of wellbeing.
The Impact of Color on Stress Levels
It has been proven time and time again that certain colors can have an impact on our stress levels. For example, the color blue has been shown to decrease blood pressure and heart rate, while the color yellow has been shown to increase anxiety and heart rate. However, not all colors are created equal when it comes to their effect on stress levels. Some colors, like green and pink, have been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, while others, like orange and purple, can actually increase stress levels.
So, what does this all mean? Well, it means that if you are looking for a way to reduce your stress levels, you should surround yourself with calming colors like green and blue. Conversely, if you are looking for a way to increase your energy levels and focus, you should surround yourself with stimulating colors like orange and purple. And if you are somewhere in between, you can always try mixing and matching different colors to see what works best for you!
Give adult coloring books a try
If you don't own coloring books but looking for ways to reduce stress then it may be time to fin some zen, get into a meditative state and try coloring. In fact it doesn't even need to be a coloring book it could be coloring apps. Either way it will see your brain work through emotional conflicts and experience a meditative exercise.
Coloring books have come a long way from the child like coloring books you may remember a kid. Artists and art therapists know the power and therapeutic benefits of adult coloring books in reducing anxiety levels.
The good news is that adult coloring has really taken off so a range of coloring books are now available.
The right coloring book for you
Fashion
Intricate patterns
Plaid pattern
Mandalas
And much more. Really anything can be on a coloring page.
If you're looking for a simple way to reduce stress, give coloring a try. Coloring is easy to do, requires no special equipment or training, and can be done anywhere. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, grab some crayons and let your worries fade away.
