Reasons I’d rather be Coloring….

Lets face it… Adulting is hard! There are days where I really really want, no, NEED to let my inner kid out! I’d much rather be coloring! Yes, Coloring! Adult coloring is all the rage these days, but I’ve been coloring for pretty much my whole life! (Hello Barbie Princess coloring books!) But did you know that spending some time coloring those fancy adult coloring books is actually GOOD for you?

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You know, beyond the fact that its fun, these are some of the reasons I’d rather be coloring…

#1. Its just as good as meditating! “Because it’s a centering activity, the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that is involved with our fear response, actually gets a bit, a little bit of a rest,” New York-based clinical psychologist Dr. Ben Michaelis said, “and it ultimately has a really calming effect over time.” SCORE!

Mandalas | Butterflies and Flowers | Stress Relieving Patterns

#2. There are no rules. Want to color the sky teal or orange? go right ahead! Think that those flowers should have rainbow petals? why not? You get to be as creative as you want to be! Its YOUR coloring book and you can do whatever your want!

#3. Its not actually Art Therapy, but its close enough to have similar benefits! I find that my brain sort of “shuts off” while I’m coloring and before I know it a few hours, yes HOURS, have passed!

Secret Garden | Lost Ocean | Enchanted Forest

 

#4. Coloring trains your brain to focus. Clinical counselor Leslie Marshall says that coloring “opens up the frontal lobe of the brain — the home of organizing and problem solving — and focuses the mind” by allowing those coloring to forget their worries, aka being IN the moment! And its a beautiful thing!

#5. Coloring makes your brain communicate with itself AND it helps improve your fine motor skills. The “action {of coloring} involves both logic, by which we color forms, and creativity, when mixing and matching colors,” ~ Gloria Martínez Ayala (psychologist)

Good Vibes | Bird Sample Patterns | Color Me Calm

#6. Its the best kind of decoration! You know the kind you do yourself! But coloring a page that you love takes far less effort than pulling out all the tools and building something. Just color a page you love, and stick it on a wall… frame optional!

#7. Good bye worries and cares, Hello Inner Child! Most Saturday mornings you’ll find me coloring and watching cartoons for at least an hour. Its my favorite way to let go of the stress of the week and get in touch with my inner child. For me, its better than therapy!

Vive Le Color! Japan | Flower Designs | Mandala Wonders

These are just some of the many reasons I’d rather be coloring! And in fact, there is a good chance that I’m getting my coloring on as you’re reading this!

Need even more options for fabulous coloring books? Check out this post!