When I was a kid my mom and her sisters would have “coloring sessions”. I never understood why adult women would gather around a table to color in coloring books, but it turns out that they were calming themselves.
In family circles it was a well known fact that my mom and some of her sisters had anxiety issues, but what they didn’t know was that coloring was actually serving them as an anxiety therapy. When we color it brings our brains into a semi-meditative state. So what you think of as child’s play is in fact an inexpensive and effect way to reduce stress and anxiety. Creatively referred to as Color (Coloring) Therapy it basically involves, well coloring. It’s so basic I’m not sure I need to jump into details since we have all done it at one point or another.
The soothing repetitive motions and the laser like attention to detail (staying in the lines) is just what the doctor ordered. It allows you the oppurtunity to silence your mind and think about something else. And there is also something to be said about doing this activity in groups. Because my mom, aunts and I colored in groups on a regular basis it became the norm in our family. During group coloring sessions there is a sense of detached togetherness which sounds counter intuitive but really it’s not. You work on your project and others do the same and in a way you are all working on the same project. Ultimately that project is reaching a state of calmness.
So for a few bucks and a little time per day you can reach coloring Zen. If your inclined you can try Mind Ware Celtic Mosaic Coloring Book
I have what seems to be a pretty severe case of generalized anxiety. This looks like something I can do to help relieve my anxiety besides the lorazapam I take almost daily. Thanks for posting this article!