Colouring probably brings your childhood to mind, especially if you enjoyed it then, but did you know it can be a very relaxing way to destress as an adult too?
With a wide variety of adult colouring books becoming available online and in shops over the past few years, this is a very straightforward activity to get into. But how can it help to relax you? Read on to find out.
Refocusing Attention
A simple, enjoyable activity like colouring can help us to practice focusing our attention solely on the task at hand, and away from our demanding thoughts, stresses and preoccupations.
By concentrating our mind on the present in this way, we can enjoy living in the moment with all the clarity and beauty that brings. Colouring can become almost like a meditative experience.
An Untesting Activity
There is no right or wrong with colouring - it can be as neat or messy as you like, you don't have to be a talented artist to try it, you can use any colours you are drawn to and there are no consequences if you colour outside of the lines! Let yourself and your creative streak go, and see where it takes you.
What's great about the popularity of adult colouring books is there are many different themes to get into, which can be tailored to your preferences. Do you love wildlife? Choose a book full of giraffes, monkeys, flowers, birds and so on.
Are you more of a city person? Choose some beautiful cityscapes to bring colour to. Or how about some pretty patterns and shapes? There are many possibilities to explore.
Resting Our Brain
Because colouring is an undemanding, relaxing activity, our brain can come to rest whilst doing it as the everyday stresses of life leave our consciousness. This can help to relax the rest of our body too.
If your mind strays from the colouring and you find negative or repetitive thoughts coming into your head, simply stretch, take a deep breath and refocus on the task at hand. You can also build up the time you spend on it gradually and see if that helps you with improving your focus.
Happy colouring!