Here’s An Easy Way to Relax and Improve Your Health: Try Coloring

I know we tend to have the stresses of every day get the best of us, and it can be hard to find something that can help us relax. One thing that I have found helpful for myself is coloring adult coloring books! And to celebrate today, which is National Coloring Day, I thought I’d share the benefits adults can attain when coloring.

1. Relaxes Your Brain and Improves Brain Function

When coloring, your brain is mainly going to focus on that specific activity. This can help you from focusing on past or future worries and on the present moment instead. According to webmd.com when you are coloring, “different parts of your brain's cerebral hemispheres are activated. When you choose what colors to use, your creativity is activated. As you color forms and shapes, your logic is also activated.”

2. Improves Motor Skills

When coloring with more complex and smaller designs, your motor skills are being honed and can help your future health! When engaging in activities like hand-eye-coordination when coloring, crossword puzzles, and brain teasers, health professionals say this can help delay dementia.

3. Could Help You Sleep

We all know that the blue light from our phones, computers, tv’s, etc. slows down our body’s natural release of melatonin. If you are not into reading before bed, you should definitely try coloring. Try finishing a whole coloring page before going to bed!

4. Can Improve Your Focus

Webmd.com explains that “Coloring activates your frontal lobe, which means that your brain is organizing and problem-solving. Regular coloring sessions allow you to relax from the day and focus on one thing.”

5. Reduces Anxiety

There is a reason there are things such as art therapy. It is noted by webmd.com that “coloring for 20 minutes or more is an effective way to lower your heart rate and decrease feelings of anxiety. In the studies, coloring more intricate designs like mandalas were more effective than coloring in a plaid pattern or blank page.”

Not only can coloring reduce your anxiety but it can improve your mood, enhance mindfulness, and reduce stress. This is very beneficial because when concentrating on something like coloring you can release the emotional and physical tension in your mind and body. This can decrease body aches, sleeping problems, fatigue, and depression!

Remember, while activities like coloring don’t necessarily “cure” your anxiety, depression, or health problems, it is something that can help. Try something new and get an adult coloring book at the nearest store or print some pages from the internet. Make it a daily activity with yourself or others! all information is credited to the webmd article provided.