Did you know that we adults have our own coloring books nowadays?
Studies show that putting crayon to paper may be therapeutic, helping to relieve stress and anxiety and maybe even producing positive changes in heart rates and brain waves.
While coloring fans are enthusiastic, some experts are a bit more cautious. There is strong evidence to support the effectiveness of art therapy for helping patients to manage serious conditions, including cancer and addictions. On the other hand, adult coloring books have been popular for only about 5 years, so less is known about them.
Could coloring help you deal with routine daily stress and anxiety? Before you break out the crayons or colored pencils, read on to learn more about this old-fashioned hobby that’s growing in modern day popularity.
5 Benefits of Adult Coloring
1. Promotes mindfulness
Losing yourself in a few minutes of coloring can help you put aside regrets about the past and concerns about the future as you focus on what you’re doing in the present moment. In that sense, it does have positive effects similar to meditation.
2. Promotes positive thinking
Shifting your attention away from overdue bills and noisy neighbors can feel good, even if it’s just for a little while. Your mood brightens as you contemplate pretty colors and interesting pictures.
3. Helps you find balance
Any offline hobby that allows you to take a break from technology is a bonus these days. Studies show that checking social media or phone messages too frequently can contribute to anxiety and stress.
4. Promotes flexibility
Compared to so many other hobbies, coloring is inexpensive and portable. You can do it waiting at the airport or sitting in a coffee shop, and it doesn’t cost much to get started. A pack of crayons is less than $5.
5. Doesn’t require a lot of skill
Another major advantage to coloring is that it requires no significant skills to succeed. If you felt like an underachiever in high school art classes, you can still color between the lines.
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits of adult coloring, and I didn’t even mention the fact that coloring is the creative outlet that so many adults lack in their lives.
So, what are some ways to make coloring therapeutic? Here are a few tips.
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- Look for patterns. Repetition, pattern, and detail seem to be the key elements. Studies show that coloring mandalas and geometric shapes is more soothing than working on unstructured designs.
- Explore different themes. Adult coloring books offer a wide range of topics. Pick something that interests you, whether it’s science fiction or architecture or dogs.
- Share your work. Add a social aspect. Frame your favorite masterpieces and put them on display for friends to see. Post images and comments on social media. Throw a party or color side-by-side with your children.
- Have fun. However you color, think of it as playtime. Let go of expectations and enjoy the process.
Think back to your childhood. Coloring seems to be especially effective for adults who previously enjoyed it as children. I loved coloring as a kid because I could quiet my mind and focus on creating something beautiful. I still feel the same way today.
How About a Freebie
Coloring is an inexpensive and easy hobby that can help you relax and forget your troubles for a while. That’s why I created this adorable coloring page freebie of my sweet Georgie Mae. I mean, nothing makes a better subject than a dog, am I right?
You can find this fun coloring page in my FREE Resource Library for dog moms! Not only will you get this printable, but you’ll also be able to grab lots of checklists, planners, printable wall art, greeting cards and more! All you need is a password to access all the good stuff!
>>> GET YOUR PASSWORD HERE! <<<
Once you have your password, you can access the FREE Resource Library and download this goodie and a whole lot more!
By the way, even if you’re not a big fan of coloring as an adult, I’ll bet the kids in your life would love this super cute coloring page!
Do you enjoying coloring?
If it was comforting to you as a kid, you probably still enjoy coloring today. Let me know in a comment below or visit my private Facebook group for dog moms and join in the conversation there!
The post 5 Benefits of Adult Coloring + a FREEBIE appeared first on The Everyday Dog Mom.
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Christina, Khareem Sudlow
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