“Smile. Breathe. And go slowly.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Did you know coloring can help to improve mood, reduce stress and boost creativity? Picking up a coloring pencil and book can be beneficial for your mental health. Dr. Nicola Holt and colleagues from the University of the West England found after 20-minutes of coloring a day the study participants reported improved mental health. [6]
Health Benefits
- Increased mindfulness and awareness learning to in the present moment
- Feelings of increased contentment
- Increased energy levels
- Decreases stress levels
- Feeling more calm and centered
- Feeling ‘in the zone’
- Improved creativity
- Increased visual attention
- Improving cognitive function performance (i.e. reading)
Let’s get started today.
If you found this coloring book useful search google for these key phrases for more options – adult coloring books, colorful mandalas, abstract designs, flora, fauna, or intricate patterns to keep you active and minimize your stress levels. Note the American Art Therapy Association “supports the use of coloring books for pleasure and self-care, however these uses should not be confused with the delivery of professional art therapy services, during which a client engages with a credentialed art therapist.”
This coloring book is just one tool to help you destress and to keep you moving. Check out our other stress reduction tips here. We have additional blog post specific to pilates, pre/post natal, bone building for osteoporosis/osteopenia, mindful meditation, restorative yoga therapy, partner and endurance training. We believe in treating the whole person with a holistic approach and blend our knowledge and training of movement, nutrition, massage therapy and traditional chinese medicine.
We love teaching mindful movement and are here to support you in your journey. We offer remote online training from anywhere in the world. Contact us today to get started and learn to move with less pain and greater ease. We look forward to partnering with you and answering your movement questions and/or concerns.
Assumption of the Risk: By attempting any of the exercises, you do so at your own risk. We make no representations, guarantees or warranties that the information or exercises on this blog are appropriate for you or will result in improvements of your medical condition or function.
Not medical advice or physical therapy. This content is intended to provide information and instructions on general exercises that may help increase strength, mobility, and function for specific areas of the body. It is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining a medical diagnosis or medical or physical therapy advice from a qualified licensed provider. You should seek medical advice from a qualified physician or physical therapist before trying any of the exercises or self-treatment suggestions on this blog, particularly if your pain is from a traumatic injury or event.
References
- ALTER, A., 2015, March 29,. Grown-ups get out their crayons. The New York Times.
- ANTOLIK, S., 2020. Adult Coloring Book. The Stress Management Society.
- BERL, R.P., 2015, March 24,. Coloring books for grown-ups can ease stress and calm one’s inner child. The Washington Post.
- BLACKBURN, H. and CHAMLEY, C.E., 2016. Color Me Calm: Adult Coloring and the University Library. Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings, 6(1),.
- HUNT, J. and EISENBERG, D., 2010. Mental health problems and help-seeking behavior among college students. . Journal of Adolescent Health: Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 93(1,3),.
- UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST ENGLAND, May 4, 2018-last update, Coloring Reduces Stress and Boosts Creativity.