Thinking of Beating the Quarantine blues, How about coloring once again?

There are times when I suggest adult coloring to people, and they look at me like I have said something strange. However, they come back to me and tell me how beneficial they find them to be.

Many psychologists and therapists “prescribe” these for various reasons.

I will also let you know that I practice what I preach, even I like coloring, and it does not mean that I am wasting my time or behaving childlike or I have nothing else to do. When I feel stressed or when I just want to leave everything else and relax my mind I take up coloring, and believe me I am doing this more often now.

They have so many uses and purposes that many are not aware of, beyond the obvious outcomes of beauty and enjoyment.

A great psychologist Carl Jung used it, thinking it would help his patient’s access their subconscious and new self-knowledge, many psychologists suggest this to patients as an alternative to meditation, as a means of relaxation, and as a calming tool.

It can help the individual focus on the act of coloring intricate pictures for hours on end, vs. focusing on intrusive and troubling thoughts. Adult coloring books can help with a number of emotional and mental health issues. For many, boredom, lack of structure, and stress are the greatest triggers they have.

These activities can help tremendously the individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and stress issues, as they calm down our amygdala. Coloring and focusing on this harmless and calming activity can actually turn that response down, and let your brain have some much needed rest and relaxation. This can be an exceptionally productive and welcome outlet for these individuals.

Believe it or not, coloring has intellectual benefits as well. It utilizes areas of the brain that enhance focus and concentration .This is another method of practicing mindfulness, which has therapeutic and health benefits.

Adult coloring books are beneficial. They can be so much more than just coloring. They can be focused, therapeutic, relaxing, calming, problem solving. They are highly effective for many reasons, and the ideas behind them have stood the test of time.

Try one out and you may just surprise yourself. If not, at least you have something pretty to hang on your fridge.