Coloring books are no longer just for kids. Adult coloring books have become quite popular, thanks to Crayola. These coloring books were first published in 2012 and 2013 and they quickly went from hobby to full-blown trend. It has been suggested that coloring can take the place of meditation. If you have been experiencing anxiety or any type of stressor, coloring may be a quick and easy solution for you.
The New Stress Relief Coloring can make coping with disease and anxiety a lot better. Coloring has a therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus and increase mindfulness. Research has shown that anxiety levels dropped when subjects colored mandalas. Like meditation, coloring also allows us to switch off our brains from other thoughts and focus only on the moment, helping to alleviate free-floating anxiety. Dr. Joel Pearson, a brain scientist, explained that concentrating on coloring an image may facilitate the replacement of negative thoughts and images with pleasant ones.
Bottom Line: If you need to chill out and relax, pick up a coloring book at your local bookstore. There are many varieties that range from floral to mandalas to animals. Adults should use colored pencils instead of crayons for better precision. Get creative - learn to shade, blend colors and highlight your soon to be masterpieces.
Written by: Emelie Buell, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern Sources:
1. CNN