Coloring: A Mindfulness Practice
Greetings, Dear Reader.
Amanda, here, eager and excited to reveal a project that has been in cultivation for the past season. This year’s coloring page theme will be revealed in the next blog post. I would like to speak a bit to the benefits of coloring pages and how my passion for visual design melds so delightfully with my passion for tea and tea culture.
Coloring pages for adults have gained popularity for several reasons, especially in promoting mindfulness, relaxation, and enjoyment. Here is a brief lay out of the benefits:
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Stress Reduction: Coloring engages the mind in a focused, repetitive activity, which can help reduce stress levels by calming the amygdala, the part of the brain involved in the body's stress response.
Mindful Concentration: It encourages present-moment awareness, similar to meditation, by requiring attention to the details and colors being used, promoting mindfulness.
Mental Clarity: Engaging in coloring can act as a mental break from busy or anxious thoughts, allowing for clearer thinking and improved mental well-being.
Therapeutic Benefits
Art Therapy: Utilized as a form of art therapy, coloring helps individuals express emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a non-verbal way, aiding in emotional release and self-discovery.
Self-Expression: Coloring allows for creative expression without the pressure of starting from scratch, enabling adults to tap into their creative sides freely.
Enjoyment and Playfulness
Nostalgia and Comfort: Coloring invokes childhood memories for many adults, providing a sense of nostalgia and comfort, which can be emotionally uplifting.
Fun and Playful Engagement: It's a simple, enjoyable activity that doesn't require special skills or a particular environment, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Studies on Benefits
Psychological Studies: Research has shown that coloring can lower anxiety and depressive symptoms while promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Cognitive Effects: Engaging in coloring activities has been associated with improved focus, enhanced motor skills, and cognitive development in adults.
Accessible and Versatile
Portable and Convenient: Coloring pages are easily accessible and portable, allowing individuals to engage in this activity anywhere, anytime, providing an outlet for relaxation on the go.
Variety of Themes: There's a wide array of coloring pages available, ranging from intricate patterns to nature scenes or mandalas, catering to different preferences and interests.
Social Connection: Coloring can also be a social activity, bringing people together in groups or clubs, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. I have been drawing one coloring page per month since 2019. What began as a simple downtime activity to help students reset at the elementary school, where I worked as an aide, developed into a multi-year habit.
Coloring Pages and Tea
Coloring pages pair so well with tea. One of my favorite family past times for long winter nights has been putting on an audiobook and cuddling around a large pot of tea with our colored pencils at the ready.
Stay tuned for when we reveal the theme of the coloring pages for 2024! Know that each month, a new coloring page will be shared here on the website for you to download, color, and share.
Cheers,
Amanda