Coloring was traditionally a childhood exercise that instilled eye-hand coordination and improved concentration. Most people fondly remember it as an avenue of creative artistic expression with a calming effect. Within the past few years coloring has resurged as a popular coping skill for adults to deal with and relieve emotional stress. It’s a healthy strategy to calm the mind and relax the body through creativity.
Start Coloring
Unlike other coping skills, there are no rules or guidelines. The beauty of creative expression is that you are free to be yourself. You can color in any way you like, inside and outside the lines. There are various ways to engage in artistic therapy. You can color on paper, on a computer or within an app on your phone. Some people prefer to use a picture template and others prefer a blank slate.
It is not a contest, so you don’t have to worry about winning, earning a reward, or finishing quickly. Take your time and color for as long or short as you want. It’s okay if you don’t finish a picture within one sitting. The point is to engage in an exercise that allows you to release and express your stress in a constructive way.
Coloring Benefits
As you color, you may notice that your breathing regulates into full, deep breathes that keeps you focused in the present moment.
Try not to judge or have expectations and simply enjoy the beauty of coloring. It doesn’t matter if your picture looks tidy or a bit messy. Sometimes coloring provides insight into how you are feeling and otherwise it can solely be an outlet. What matters most is if you enjoyed the experience and felt relaxed while coloring.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Process your emotions.
- Improve your sleep