With social media having a heavy influence on people, many are just waiting to jump onto the next new wave. Some trends are meaningless and others have more benefits. Well, a new trend is driving adults toward the coloring book section of the bookstores. Recently, adults have used coloring as a way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Coloring is similar to art therapy but not the same. Although it is easily confused, art therapy is a “mental health profession” in which creating artwork is used to “explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem.” For more serious emotional issues, refer to Art Therapy. However, coloring is not a profession but more of a hobby. The childhood hobby that kept you quiet for hours still has the same effects. When you color, your mind goes off into your imagination and allows stress and anxiety levels to drop. It is also a great way to practice mindfulness meditation, which is a great way to gain focus.
One study conducted in 2005, included 84 graduate students who colored and experienced a drop in anxiety. It proved that coloring in a “reasonably complex pattern may induce a meditative state and therefore help to combat anxiety,” according to CNN.
The adult coloring book industry is expanding. Amazon has hundreds of adult coloring books and beautiful detailed images ready to be filled in light and dark hues. Some prices range from normal prices to hundreds of dollars. Yes, there is a new industry created around this simple form of therapy, starting from one of the first published coloring books in 2012.
To get the maximum results, choose the patterns that you’re most comfortable with. What makes the books different from child books are the various detailed themes. Popular themes are Tibetan Art or I Love Lucy, Johanna Bedford’s The Secret Garden and many more themes. It has been said that colored pencils are best used with pictures because of the accuracy and concentration that it requires. Coloringbook.net and Crayola has coloring guides to help you get the most out of your sessions and to help you create pictures you’d be proud to frame in your living room.
Written by Taylor Bennett
Disclaimer: The EGL Wellness blog does not create a doctor/patient relationship. The information provided is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All text on this site is informational and for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Any advice or information provided on the site is provided on an “as-is” basis. No warranties either expressed or implied, are made on the information provided.