Colouring was once regarded as “just for kids”, but as of recent it has become a craze amongst adults. Many are rushing to the nearest book store to purchase a colouring book, but why? Is it a fad? I hope not, because it is a creative outlet, relaxing, and has numerous health and wellness benefits.
Below are eight reasons why you should take out those old pencil crayons and colour:
1. It turns out that doctors have known about the stress relieving benefits of colouring as early as the 1900s! Psychiatrist Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, prescribed colouring to his patients to decrease their anxiety. This is still suggested as a coping skill today by practicing psychologists.
2. It’s a nostalgic past time for many of us. I went through a boxed labelled “Christina’s Schoolwork” where I stumbled upon old school projects. It’s evident even as a child I loved to colour.
3. Colouring sparks creativity, which can be carried into many aspects of our lives! Learning which colours and patterns look best together is a transferable skill, whether it’s interior design or picking out an outfit.
4. According to psychologist Gloria Ayala, colouring activates both parts of the cerebral cortex – an area that controls vision, fine motor skills, and coordination – by utilizing our analytical and creative areas of the brain for colouring activates.
5. Clinical counselor Leslie Marshall says colouring “opens up the frontal lobe of the brain — the home of organizing and problem solving — and focuses the mind“.
6. Karyn Hall, PhD. notes that there is a calming effect of the amygdala, the area of the brain that plays a big role in our “fight-or-flight” responses — therefore reducing the effects of trauma. “Creating sensations that say there is no emergency helps calm the body’s alert system so the… prefrontal cortex can regain its ability to think and plan,” Hall notes.
7. It has become a great group activity, with some libraries creating social groups called “Colouring and Wine” (sign me up!). Art therapy is being used experimentally for those suffering with PTSD, anxiety and other stress-related disorders.*
8. You can do whatever you want with your colouring book. You can experiment with colours, practice your shading, or keep your book a little secret.
Overall, colouring allows us to take a break from our busy days to calm our minds and create something beautiful – whether you decide to share it or not.
Have you purchased a colouring book recently? I am working on The Anatomy Coloring Book. I’m a visual learner so this colouring book is really helpful while studying anatomy!
Do you have other forms of art that you do for relaxation? Comment below!
Note: Colouring isn’t a substitute for regular therapy or consulting with a qualified medical professional.
