Is coloring really an aid to a healthy mind?

Is coloring really an aid to a healthy mind?

No doubt you’ve seen them- intricate black and white drawings on art paper that are labeled as adult coloring books. More so, they claim to be a way to relieve stress and relax your mind. So is it true? Does your toddler actually hold the key to stress relief in her little chubby hands?

Well, that depends on how you look at it. There are many ways to relieve stress- the relatively non confrontational activity of coloring (where the decisions are which color to choose and where to put them) is a less activating pastime than twitter, facebook and other electronic choices. It is a good way to unwind in the evening without exposing yourself to blue light, and it’s also a good way to free your mind of the many thoughts that may be worrying you. It may also allow people to entertain the idea of more expressive types of art, such as drawing or painting, which have been linked to the increased ability to express feelings that are difficult to talk about.

However, coloring is not a substitute for therapy or medications. If you have a stress to deal with, it will help you take your mind off of the stress and give your mind the chance to have a little peace and quiet time. And if you enjoy it, that is a wonderful thing. But it is not a substitute for mindfulness practice or a treatment for clinical depression.

So if you enjoy coloring, or want a non-activating pastime just prior to going to bed or during your afternoon break, adult coloring can be a great option. However, if you are having anxiety or depression symptoms that are affecting multiple parts of your life, consider talking to your health professional about other options as well.