It’s no secret that coloring can be a great way to relieve stress. In fact, it’s been used as a form of therapy for centuries. But what many people don’t know is that there are specific ways to color in order to get the most out of the experience. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of coloring for stress relief and provide some tips on how to get the most out of your coloring sessions. So grab your favorite coloring pages and get ready to relax!
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What is coloring for stress relief?
Coloring, also known as color therapy, is an ancient technique that has been proven to be an efficient way of relieving stress. Whether you are at work, school, or home, these exercises can help make your day go by more smoothly and help get rid of unwanted thoughts in your head.
In fact, the practice of color therapy has been around for centuries. Many ancient cultures used to color with natural materials such as flowers and herbs in order to heal the body and mind. These days, people resort to coloring books or using a coloring app on their phones.
How to color for stress relief?
Pick a calming book
Coloring books are a great option because they come with images that are already made. All you have to do is pick the image that appeals most to you, get your materials ready (colored pencils or gel pens), and start coloring the lines.
Let go of all thoughts
It can be difficult not to think about other things while coloring, but that’s actually the whole point: you want to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. So try and let go of all thoughts and engage in this activity with no expectations.
Accept the imperfection
Unlike drawing, coloring offers a great challenge: achieving perfection can be difficult given there is no such thing as a perfect line or shape. If you color one line and it doesn’t look right, don’t worry about it; just try again and make the next one better! This is a great opportunity to embrace imperfection and develop your creativity.
Be patient
As with any coloring exercise, patience is key when you want to get the most out of this practice. So try and let go of all your thoughts, accept the imperfection, and be patient with yourself. The end result will be worth it!
The benefits of coloring for stress relief
In addition to relieving stress, coloring has been proven to improve your mood and even help you focus better. In fact, coloring books have been known to be an effective tool for both kids and adults who are trying to quit smoking or simply need a way to express their feelings. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of color therapy – all it takes is a little creativity and a coloring book.
Here are a few of my favorite benefits and how they can help:
Helps focus your attention- Whether you are at home or school, coloring can help you forget about your worries and focus on the present moment. This is an excellent way to keep yourself in check and concentrate on what really matters in life!
Increases relaxation- Coloring reduces anxiety by slowing down your breathing rate and reducing stress hormones; this is one of the main reasons why practicing this technique can be very effective for people with ADD.
Decrease levels of cortisol- This hormone is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” Coloring can help decrease its production and combat stress altogether!
Reduces pain- Did you know that coloring has been proven to reduce, or even get rid of, some types of chronic pain? The reason behind this is coloring stimulates the production of serotonin and melatonin, which eases the pain.
Increases creativity- Coloring offers a great challenge: achieving perfection can be difficult given there is no such thing as a perfect line or shape. As you try to create the perfect image time after time, this exercise will enhance your imagination and help you get out of your comfort zone!
10 Easy and calming coloring pages to try
Grunge- The Grunge coloring pages consist of shapes and figures, which you can combine to create your own pattern.
Mandala- These circular patterns are traditionally used in Buddhism and Hinduism. In addition to helping you focus on the present moment, they promote relaxation and help release negative energy.
Animal print patterns & designs- Whether you prefer to color cats, dogs, or snakes, these simple patterns are fun to use. You can experiment with different colors and designs until you find one that fits your mood!
Butterflies, flowers, trees, etc.- These beautiful images are great for beginners. They are simple to color, but they provide you with a challenge because there is no specific pattern or figure to follow.
Abstract designs- These pictures are perfect for those who need a creative outlet. They don’t have any specific shape or pattern, but if you want to color them properly you’ll have to free your imagination and let go of all thoughts.
Geometric shapes & patterns- These pictures are a little trickier to color. They have sharper edges and curves that require more time and patience to fill the space properly.
Tips on how to get the most out of your session
If you’re just starting out with color therapy, consider investing in a high-quality coloring book or app. You can find many beautiful designs that will help get your mind off of any frustrating thoughts and allow you to focus on the essence of each page.
It’s important to pick a place where you won’t be disturbed. Find a comfy position and make yourself comfortable – grab a blanket if you want to! You can also consider using calming music in the background.
Here are a few other tricks I like to use to help me get the most out of my coloring sessions:
– Pick a coloring page that is close enough to your comfort level as this will help reduce any frustration
– Take breaks as needed throughout your session
– Practice mindfulness as you color
– If you’re using markers, be sure to protect your coloring book with special paper or plastic sleeves
– Try not to think about other things that are stressing you out – just focus on the present moment and what’s in front of you
– Use only your non-dominant hand if possible (see 10 coloring pages below)
– Listen to calming music as you color – this can help set the mood and provide a soothing effect
Coloring resources
In addition to picking out your favorite colors, you’ll need something to actually color in! Here are some of the best coloring books for adults:
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is a beautifully illustrated classic book, and what better way to re-live the magic than by coloring in the pictures! The illustrations are complex enough to really get you thinking about what shading and patterns would look best in which areas.
Adorable Animals Grayscale
This coloring book includes 52 different images of absolutely ADORABLE animals! The drawings are more on the simple side, but definitely cute enough to make up for it. This is one of my personal favorites because not only are the pictures adorable, but they’re also pretty sophisticated and detailed!
Doodle Chaos: Zifflin’s Coloring Book
Doodle Chaos is a coloring book specifically designed for those who have an affinity for markers, colored pencils or crayons. The drawings are pretty simple but will definitely brighten up your day!
Cats & Flowers: A Coloring Book for Adults – Volume 2
This absolute gem of a coloring book includes 50 different cat illustrations! The cats are all shown in various poses and the drawings are very detailed to provide you with tons of room for creativity.
Coloring books for adults are the perfect way to reduce stress levels. As you pick out your favorite colors and find a comfortable position, you’ll start to feel more relaxed as your day begins. Whether you need an outlet or want to experiment with color therapy, these coloring pages will help set the mood!
