Coloring books: they’re not just for people nostalgic of their childhood world of crayons and colored pencils. Using coloring books has recently been garnering attention as a great stress-relieving activity. Designed for adults, these books, often containing intricate designs and patterns, have taken over shelves everywhere, offering another way to help blow off steam or reduce anxiety.
For kids, coloring books were used to pass the time when stuck indoors. Now, for an adult with too many things to do in too little time, they provide a relaxing break from stressful lives. According to Ben Michaelis, a clinical psychologist, coloring is a centering activity that helps relax the amygdala, the part of the brain involved in our response to fear. Over time, the mindful exercise has a real calming effect.
Adult coloring books may have a therapeutic effect on users.
Image Source: vgajic
Whether you used colored pencils or crayons as a child, you were probably constantly reminded to color inside the lines. If you do that now, it’s an exercise to feel focused without becoming overwhelmed. Clinical counselor, Leslie Marshall, believes the time spent concentrating on coloring inside the lines activates the frontal lobe of the brain, the center for organizing and problem solving.
Plus, no matter how you color, it’s a no-pressure way to be creative. A blank canvas can be rather daunting and cause some anxiety. It’s the paradox of choice: too many choices may make you feel anxious! Even though it can be therapeutic for others to create their own art medium, having designs already laid out can feel a lot more relaxing when all you have to do is pick out the colors to fill the drawing in.
Adult coloring books serve a similar purpose to children’s coloring books.
Image Source: AzmanL
While coloring has great effects, it is important to remember that it is not the same as art therapy. People dealing with significant mental or emotional issues should not seek coloring as a replacement for therapy, but rather as a supplement. The American Art Therapy Association recently released a statement in commendation of the coloring book phenomenon but reminding those seeking professional art therapy services to consult a credentialed art therapist.
Nevertheless, coloring books have therapeutic qualities that can greatly help with everyday health and wellness, just like meditation or yoga. From mandalas to moments of Cleveland sports history and everything in between, there are coloring books with designs for everyone. It can be a part of your daily routine to de-stress or kill time. You can color all in one color or hash out a million squiggles. Ultimately, the coloring is for you and no one else. Enjoy it!
