Coloring for Relaxation and Stress Relief
As life starts to head back to normal, the stresses of pre-Covid life have re-arisen. With them come the need for mental health awareness and the act of self care. One such way is through coloring. But, isn’t that an activity for children? In today’s blog, we’ll talk about the relaxing nature of art therapy. Plus some other activities that help you destress.
The History of Coloring Books
A coloring book is a type of book containing line art which people are intended to add color using:
- crayons
- colored pencils
- marker pens
- paint
- other artistic media
Traditionally, they are printed on paper or card. What’s more, sometimes, the pages come out the book as individual sheets. However, some may include a storyline and thus must be left intact.
Additionally, these books incorporate other activities such as connect the dots, mazes, and other puzzles. As well as the use of stickers.
Paint books and coloring books emerged in the United States as part of the “democratisation of art” process. Many educators agreed that, regardless of background, all people benefited from art education as a means to:
- enhance their conceptual understanding of the tangible
- develop their cognitive abilities
- improve skills useful in finding a job
The first of these books belongs to the McLoughlin Brothers’ The Little Folks’ Painting Book.
Additionally, alongside their educational use, these books have political use. Whether it be for civil rights issues, feminist thinking’s, and other activist movements.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Coloring books have wide use in health professions ranging from:
- helping trauma patients come to terms with what has happened
- recovering hand-eye coordination
- explaining complicated procedures to children
- providing entertainment and soothing for autistic people
These books as form of adult therapy saw a growth in popularity in the 2010s. They boast a plethora of benefits such as:
- bringing a sense of childhood
- developing fine motor skills and vision
- reducing anxiety and creating focus
- relieving stress and anxiety in a manner similar to meditation
This is because concentrating on coloring facilitates the replacement of negative thought and images with pleasant ones. What’s more, it allows its users to step away from their technology. Additionally, the art form is helpful for those who aren’t comfortable with other artistic mediums.
Other Methods Like Coloring
Is coloring in not for you? Check out these other activities that promote mindfulness!
- Connecting with nature. Taking 10 minutes out of your day to go on a walk is a great way to ground your sense.
- Breathing exercises. Feeling anxious or have a tight chest? Try breathing exercises to soothe your nerves and regulate your system.
- Practising Yoga. These poses help to release tension and make ourselves aware of our bodies.
- 5-4-3-2-1. Have a hot head? Try out this method by naming: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
- Positive affirmations. Encouraging self-talk is uplifting and supports a healthy mindset.
- Crafting. Activities such as weaving and beading are brilliant tasks that keep you occupied for hours. What’s more, they result in cute gifts you can give to your friends and family.
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