Did you know that colouring isn’t only for kids? Adults can colour too. In this post, I’m going to share with you 10 benefits of adult colouring that you probably didn’t know before now.
Colouring is basically applying colour to an object or surface. Although colouring may have different meanings but, in this context, we mean colouring of books. It refers to the activity of filling in the illustrations in a colouring book with pencils, pens, or markers.
Now you may be wondering what does colouring have to do with mental well-being? Well, research done on the psychological benefits of colouring has shown that colouring can have a relaxing effect on the mind and can be used as a form of stress relief.
Also, colouring can be a form of self-expression, allowing you to explore their creativity and emotions.
Besides the physical and mental health benefits of adult colouring, colouring can also have other benefits. Benefits such as educational, personal and professional development and so on. But this blog post would only focus on the benefits of adult colouring on mental health.
10 Surprising Benefits of Adult Colouring You Didn’t Know
- Improves mood: Colouring influences your mood by creating a feeling of inner peace and decreasing negative thoughts and emotions. When you colour, you want to create a beautiful outcome of what you are colouring by using bold and bright colours. So do you think you can achieve this while being in an upset mood?
- Promotes relaxation and alleviates stress: I usually refer colouring at night. It helps me relax better especially if I had a stressful day. It’s one of my ways of unwinding before going to bed.
- Provides a feeling of excitement: Colouring is a form of self-expression and creativity. Often times we use bright colours when colouring. These colours usually stimulate the brain and create a sense of energy and enthusiasm.
- Provides a sense of control: When colouring, you decide what lines you want to fill in first, what colours to use and so on. It makes you feel in charge of the task you are working on and allows you to channel your emotions into that task.
- Promotes feelings of calmness: Colouring engages the mind in a focused and repetitive task. And this repetitive nature allows you to focus on the present moment, thereby promoting feelings of calmness and mindfulness.
Adult colouring books you might like
- Increases feelings of accomplishment: The act of selecting colours and filling in the illustrations of a colouring paper or book can be satisfying. And after completing the colouring of a certain object or page, provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Provides distraction from negative thoughts: I usually enjoy colouring while listening to audiobooks. Listening to an audiobook while colouring helps me focus my attention on the story and the characters, rather than on my own worries.
- Reduces symptoms of mental illnesses: Colouring reduces symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and ADHD. This is because colouring can have a calm and soothing effect on the mind and body. And also because it improves focus and attention and reduces feelings of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Promotes self-care: Colouring is one of my self-care techniques. It can be a very simple and accessible form of self-care that doesn’t cost so much. If you are looking for new self-care practices to help you relax and unwind, you can try colouring.
- Improves sense of self-reflection and self-awareness: Self-reflection makes you more self-aware. And when colouring, it makes it easier for you to focus inwardly on your thoughts and emotions. This helps you to identify your inner strength and develop your skills, rather than just doing things the way you always do.
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Other facts you should know about colouring
Colouring has many potential benefits some of which I’ve already mentioned, but it’s not a substitute for professional medical treatment or therapy when struggling with mental illness.
If you have concerns about your mental health or experience some symptoms, then it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Adult colouring has become increasingly popular in recent years as a form of stress relief and relaxation. A lot of research is being done to understand more benefits of colouring.
Adult colouring books are available in a wide variety of themes and styles. Including mandalas, nature scenes, and abstract patterns. There are also colouring books with affirmations to help you grow and maintain a positive mindset.
Check out some affirmations colouring books you can buy on Amazon.
Conclusion
Colouring can be fun and exciting both for adults and children. Although many adults may consider it boring or a waste of time. It isn’t that way for everyone. We all have preferences and find interest in different things. You just have to find what keeps you healthy and gives you inner peace.
Are you interested in trying adult colouring as a form of stress relief or relaxation? Let me know in the comment section.
DISCLAIMER:
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is provided for general information only.
RECOMMENDATION
If you need help or know someone who needs help with their mental health or mental illness, check out the resource page for mental health resources.
