Colouring is not just an activity for keeping kids occupied; we only associate it with children. In reality, colouring books and colouring pages for adults are also extremely therapeutic and can help generate wellness, quietness, mindfulness and the exact same benefits which meditation imparts on the brain. It is no wonder that colouring for adults apps, as well as colouring for adults printables online and offline are so popular these days. Even more popular are colouring pages with Mandalas for adults. When an adult colours these repetitive patterns, s/he actually experiences mindfulness and even reaches a meditative state. This has even been proven by several scientific studies. With so many therapeutic benefits of colouring pages for adults, there is no reason not to be doing it really.
1. Colouring pages for adults help de-stress
One of the earliest scientists to have studied the therapeutic benefits of colouring pages for adults was Carl Jung. He studied colouring of Mandalas as early as the first half of the 20thcentury. He often used Mandalas (which have concentric circles and geometrical patterns in them) for his patients and found that it helped them become calmer and witness lesser stress.
2. Colouring activities activate both parts of the cerebral hemisphere
According to psychologist Gloria Martinez Ayala, the action of colouring involves both logic and creativity. When we use logic to pick up a colour for a particular shape or pattern, we activate the analytical part of the brain. On the other hand, when we choose to mix and match colours, we activate the creative side of the brain. This helps incorporate both areas of the cerebral cortex which control vision and help with coordination and fine motor skills.
3. Colouring pages for adults take them back to childhood
When an adult colours, s/he is transported back to the stress free days of childhood. Getting back those happy memories helps one relax and even feel optimistic and energetic for the future.
4. Colouring is like meditation
Meditation is the art of doing nothing. It is also the art of ‘de-concentrating’ which helps relax and reduce the chatter of a restless mind. While most people find it difficult to meditate, colouring pages and books for adults easily help induce the same meditative state. It is no wonder that many publishers in UK, France and USA have come up with colouring books just for adults. Colouring Mandalas are especially relaxing since colouring of the round and round patterns and concentric circles of these ancient designs relax the mind and make a person more mindful. It also keeps him/her focused on the present moment-just like meditation!
5. Colouring for adults helps reduce anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental condition affecting hundreds of adults. Anxiety and panic attacks cause many symptoms including: thoughts of death or dying, excessive worry, nausea, headaches, chills, fever, insomnia, etc. By using colouring pages for adults, therapists help their adult patients relax. The artistic expression helps patients go deeper into a relaxed state making other forms of therapy more effective. Research has now proven that colouring pages and books for adults can be used as prelude to regular or conventional therapy for many mental disorders.
6. Colouring for adults helps them re-discover themselves
Adults often find themselves stuck in a rut managing jobs, housework etc. Colouring pages can help one get out of this routine, making them feel more comfortable and relaxed at the end of a long day. This activity can also help one be with his/her thoughts. Many an adult has rediscovered him/herself through colouring pages for adults online and offline. You can even download free colouring apps or colouring printables and relax with this wonderful activity at the end of a long day.
7. Colouring for adults is a perfect therapy for many diseases
Colouring books for adults are ideal for patients -especially those battling health issues like epilepsy. Take the example of Cari Schofield, 38, from Stockbridge, Georgia who, due to her epilepsy, had several limitations. Since she started colouring, she finds she easily calms down and relax which, in turn, helps alleviate epileptic attacks. Due to her jerky hand movements, she used to experience difficulty holding a pen or pencil for drawing. But, by using colouring books for adults, she has started enjoying this activity again.
8. Colouring for adults helps spark creativity
One of the most important benefits of colouring books for adults is that they help ignite creativity which adults continue to experience in several other facets of their lives. Adults who colour regularly find that they become great at picking colours for their clothes, their interiors etc. Colouring books and pages also help people become more creative in their jobs, analytical thinking activities and several other aspects of work and play.
9. Colouring helps adults reconnect with their Inner Child
Inner Child healing therapy is a popular therapy for disturbed adults who tend to be very harsh with themselves. As adults, we often have certain areas in our lives that need working on and all those areas are connected to certain issues which we carry forward from our past. When one reconnects with his/her inner child, a child full of innocence and love, one can actually become better as an adult. Such inner child healing especially helps break negative thinking patterns. It helps one love him/herself more-unconditionally. This, in turn, helps one become one’s best self-a confidant, radiant person who is ready to take on the world without fear.
10. Colouring books for adults help transport one to a time and place faraway
If, at the end of the day, you really wish to relax and get away from it all-simply bring out your crayons and download some colouring pages. This will surely help you get out and away from it all and help you relax and unwind. It is like taking a vacation without going anywhere!
Ref: https://www.colour-meanings.com/10-therapeutic-benefits-of-colouring-books-for-adults/
Big thank you for these tips. Real inspiration to take out my colouring book! Watch this space 😀