As you’ve probably noticed, adult coloring books are kind of a big deal right now =
The benefits of coloring (for all ages) are many:
- Art heals. Art therapy has been shown to be effective with a wide variety of issues including PTSD, depression and dementia. Coloring is DIY home art therapy.
- It’s calming and relaxing. Focusing on coloring in images distracts your mind from all the stress running around in there.
- It calms the fight or flight instinct. This instinct is extra strong in traumatized children – and their exhausted parents. Coloring as a family helps everyone settle down.
- Coloring strengthens the brain. Organizing colors and patterns works the frontal lobe.
- Both right and left sides of the brain are involved. Lots of occupational therapists are using coloring with their patients because of this.
- It brings us back to a simpler time. There were no bills to worry about when you colored as a kid. Pick up your crayons and go back there.
- Coloring is a way to be mindful. Focus on the colors and patterns to keep out unwanted thoughts.
Sure, coloring for adults is cool now, but I never stopped coloring after childhood. Our family has spent hour upon hour coloring together. Here are some of our favorite coloring books, crayons, markets, pencils, etc. Mantras, unicorns, zombies….there’s something for everyone! (This blog contains affiliate links.)
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