As we navigate through this challenging time, managing stress associated with the Covid-19 virus remains vitally important. While self-isolation is necessary to flatten the curve, it also may provide more time to worry about the unknown. If you’re looking for ways to alleviate stress and boost wellbeing, adult coloring books may be the answer for you. Below are 10 proven, scientific explanations on why adult coloring books can provide relaxation and stress relief plus free coloring page downloads to help you unwind.
1. Coloring is meditative. It allows the brain to focus on a single activity, canceling outside noise that would otherwise create stress. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association suggests that coloring “reasonably complex geometric pattern may induce a meditative state that benefits individuals suffering from anxiety.”
2. Coloring reduces stress. Coloring has the ability to relax the fear center of your brain, which is called the amygdala. By turning off the TV and concentrating on a soothing image, the mind is able to calm down. A study printed in Frontiers of Psychology has scientifically linked the reduction of anxiety with coloring.
3. Coloring improves focus. When you color, your frontal lobe is opened up, according to KindredHeathcare.com. This is the part of the brain that controls organizing and problem solving, thus allowing you to put everything else aside and live in the moment.
4. Coloring improves sleep. In stressful situations, it’s not uncommon to succumb to poorer quality of sleep. Sleep is extremely important to boost the immune system and manage stress. Coloring can help. Pediatric and Adult Sleep Consultant Alanna McGinn says she encourages patients struggling with insomnia to color right before bed to help calm the mind. For children who have a hard time falling asleep, McGinn even suggests switching out story time for coloring time.
Express yourself through positive thinking and calm meditation with this must-have relaxing coloring book by best-selling author, Thaneeya McArdle.
This fun and engaging coloring book for ‘tweens is filled with 32 whimsical designs of unicorns, Pegasus heads, rainbows, flowers, and more from talented artist Jess Volinski.
This affirmative coloring book offers dozens of uplifting hand-drawn designs that feature all the charming imperfections of original chalkboard art.
Savor the passing of time with ready-to-color art activities inside this gorgeous coloring book for grownups.
5. Coloring is an escape. As we hunker down, cancel trips, and get used to the exotic view of the living room, it’s normal to feel a sense of grief that we’re missing out on the outside world. Coloring can provide that escape that many may be lacking. Whether you are coloring in a picture of Paris, a soothing naturescape, or a rustic camping scene, it can help take you out of the ordinary for a bit.
6. Coloring creates order. It can feel scary when everything we are familiar with changes. If you are suddenly working from home or out of work altogether, a disruption to your daily schedule can wreak havoc on your wellbeing. Starting a coloring project, and picking it back up the same time every day, can help to regain a sense of order.
7. Coloring for others boosts joy. Coloring for someone else—whether it’s a family member or your local healthcare worker—is not only kind, it’s also a way to feel connected to others. Experts say that volunteering our gifts to help others can help facilitate a social connection, which helps alleviate feelings of loneliness.
8. Coloring brings families together. For parents who may face with the added task of homeschooling, coloring can help bring creativity into the house while also boosting self-esteem in children. Many coloring books, such as Notebook Doodles coloring books, are sprinkled with positive quotes that can boost mood and self-esteem. Knowing that your children are thriving will also help to relieve stress for parents.
9. Coloring boosts mindfulness. With a 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy to get lost in
negativity and feelings of hopelessness. When coloring, your mind hones in on the details of the page and blocks out the world. Without realizing it, you are often practicing mindfulness while coloring. You reclaim control of your mind and can help move your thoughts toward positivity.
10. Coloring is nostalgic. Drawing in coloring books is a form of nostalgia. It takes us back to childhood. “When we experience nostalgia,” psychology professor Erica Hepper, Ph.D says, “we tend to feel happier, have higher self-esteem, and feel closer to loved ones.” Hepper, a lecturer at the University of Surrey in England, also says “nostalgia gives you a psychological boost.”
Whether you’re looking to wind down, tune in, connect with loved ones, or reflect on good times, coloring for both adults and children offers a multitude of ways to feel grounded during these uncertain times. So, what’s your next coloring project?
There’s nothing better than sharing a fun evening chatting with your friends over wine and cheese until you add coloring to the mix! Instead of paint night where you have to follow an instructor, try a coloring night where the roadmap is right in front of you.
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