Most of us probably think that coloring books are reserved merely for children, but today it has increasingly become a relaxation trend among adults. Psychologists, therapists, and even doctors are "prescribing" coloring books to patients!
While calming coloring books have exploded as mindfulness products, people actually don't realize that this therapeutic phenomenon dates all the way back to the 1900's.
Carl Jung, Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, is known for being one of the most influential and complex psychological theorists of his time.
Jung believed that different colors could be interpreted as different measurements of emotion, but he also believed that mandalas, or circular designs, could reflect the wholeness of the person creating them. Many different shapes and geometric patterns take part of these calming coloring books, but mandalas are definitely the most popular.
So what is it about these coloring books that makes them therapeutic?
Well, as our minds become increasingly populated with stressful and anxious thoughts, the coloring books provide a specific power over our mind in which we are able to channel on something creatively and calmly through a kind of satisfying artistic therapy technique.
Living in a digital era where technology has taken over so many parts of our lives, the constant stimulation and expectations that live in our minds can leave us feeling burnt out. Even too little stimulation as the result of anxiety, can leave us even further isolated from the present moment.
Calming coloring books can often provide over 100 different coloring templates
depending on which coloring book you chose to buy, and there's a million
out there!
Here's a few key reasons why you should invest in one:
1. Your Amygdala Needs a Chill Pill
Amygdala, a word that might strike you as unfamiliar, but is vital in understanding the power of the coloring book. Our amygdala is an almond-shaped section found in the temporal lobe of our brain that functions as an integrative center for emotions. It's responsible for our emotional behavior, survival instincts, and our memory. When we focus on a calming coloring activity, we are able to give this part of our brain some rest and relaxation. Coloring books have even been successful for many veterans suffering from PTSD. When our amygdala is active, it basically is in control of all of our worries and panic, so try to give it a dose of some colorful ease.
2. Bring On the Wonderful Nostalgia
While coloring books might seem childish, there's actually something very satisfying about feeling childlike. Once we're no longer children, our lives become consumed by the reality of the working world and the everyday stresses of life. Coloring has been found to take our minds back to a simpler time when we didn't have to focus on a responsibility, but did something out of pure enjoyment. Who wouldn't want to feel this way again?!
3. Get On the Path to Mindfulness
Mindfulness is my personal favorite as I believe it is so important for people to practice. Coloring is just another way of getting in tune with positive feelings and thoughts rather than anxious and depressing ones. Prescription drugs along with lengthy medical treatments can sometimes give the opposite effect than intended, bringing on frustration and unpleasant feelings when issues never feel fully resolved. I'd find that most would agree with me, that shoving pills down your throat all the time isn't the greatest feeling in the world especially when you're not getting the results you want. Think about trying something a bit more natural that is not only simple, but also can be extremely pleasing when as you express yourself.