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Coloring is an activity that most people associate with young children. It is a milestone in preschool and for some, that's where it ends. But perhaps, this need not be the case. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association suggests that coloring can be extremely beneficial for the mental health of adults. Below are a few reasons why you might want to pick up a coloring book and some crayons the next time you are out shopping.
Coloring could help you process your feelings and emotions
Keeping your emotions inside and bottling them up can be difficult and can also have serious ramifications on a person’s physical and mental health, says Verywell Mind. This is why people adopt a variety of ways to express themselves and bring out those pent up thoughts, feelings and emotions. Some popular options include journaling or talk therapy.
Talking things out or writing them down can be cathartic and a huge relief. Healthline explains that coloring might have a similar effect as well, helping you relax and maybe even allowing you to process your emotions and promote healing.
Coloring can improve your focus
One of the most wonderful things about coloring is that you don't have to be an artist to color. Almost anyone can do it by putting colors to paper in freestyle coloring or by using a mandala or coloring book. When coloring, people have to focus, but not so much as to make the activity stressful or unpleasant.
According to Beaumont Health, a non profit health organization in Michigan, coloring opens up your frontal lobe, which is responsible for problem solving and organization, and helps you focus on being more present and living in the moment.
Coloring can help depression and anxiety sufferers
It seems like coloring in adult coloring books and mandalas can significantly relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. A study conducted by Drexel University shows that coloring actually can make people feel better and is highly therapeutic. It is important to note that it does not replace real therapy. But ask any depression and anxiety sufferer and they will tell you how important it is to relieve their stress and do things that make them feel good. Coloring can help them feel more at ease, safer and calmer.
Coloring can help you sleep
As if you needed more reasons to start coloring. According to The Cleveland Clinic, coloring can even help you sleep better! Since coloring allows people to relieve stress and promotes relaxation, it’s a great activity to take part in before going to bed and settling in for the night.
Coloring promotes mindfulness
Coloring is an activity that can help you focus on what you are currently doing. In fact, according to The Mayo Clinic, it promotes mindfulness, since you are encouraged to immerse yourself fully in the movements and sensations of coloring. And there are no expectations, you don't necessarily have to be great at art or to color precisely inside the lines. It’s all ok. The important thing is to enjoy the moment and the increased feelings of peace and relaxation, which can do wonders for your mental health.
So, if you’re looking for a new hobby or activity to unwind after work or before bed, coloring might be just what you need. You’d be surprised at how much a bit of coloring, even if you haven't done it since your preschool years, can help make you feel better.
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