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!
Jen says
All of these reasons are SO true!
Happy coloring…
Diana, Down Home Traveler says
I love coloring, its so relaxing and clears your mind. I love how your pictures are coming out – the colors look awesome! And you didn’t go out of the lines once! 😉
Mind Works Meditation says
I love the post! And coloring is proved to be a great alternative to meditation!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
Oh my goodness, I have been wanting to start on these coloring books–now I am totally convinced!
Crystal Hall says
Adult coloring books are my jam! I bought an inspirational one that I am obsessed with right now. I’m impressed with your coloring skills.
therealjinny says
I need to find a really good set of colored pencils. I bought a set at Hobby Lobby and I’m not happy with the intensity of the color. But I adore coloring. Always have.
María P. Gómez says
My girls and I love coloring, it’s so relaxing. We started with mandalas and we are now experiementing different types of drawings.
I would love to invite you to share this with us at our new Sweet Inspiration Party which is live every Friday, http://sweethings.net/sweet-inspiration-link-party1/
Hugs!
Pili
kid can doodle says
DId you hear there is a pencil shortage due to the coloring craze?
Jennifer says
I had no idea! But that totally makes sense!
Julie says
I was given a colouring book for Christmas and thought “I won’t have time for that” but I love it. I tend to colour whilst the dinner is in the oven, I can keep an eye on it, do the veg etc in between and then just sit at the table and do a bit of colouring. The fact it is good for me is a complete bonus and now I feel vindicated in doing it instead of cleaning!
lamscomm says
I love, love LUV adult coloring. Its my new “me time” activity 🙂 I like that there is no rules and no one cares if I can’t stay inside the lines! There’s a couple of recent posts on Franticmommy on this ubject too too if you want to give them a nose poke. Thanks for sharing! Stopping by from the SITS Sharefest.
satrntgr says
It’s definitely great for some quiet time!! I loved the one that I got to review at http://www.tigerstrypes.com/joyful-inspirations/ Thank you for sharing this one with us at the #HomeMattersParty