20 Self-Care Benefits of Adult Coloring (With Free Printables)
Self-Care Benefits of Adult Coloring
I think we can all remember being young, with a pack of Crayola pencils in hand, drawing some kind of masterpiece you know mom will eventually put up on the fridge.
Or maybe that’s just me?
A lot of people still believe coloring is meant for kids and kids only. Well, in the last decade, adult coloring has become a huge therapeutic phenomenon due to all the benefits coloring has to offer – for people of any age.
This blog post will highlight what adult coloring is, why adult coloring works, and the benefits of adult coloring as a form of self-care.
Don’t forget to read to the end of this blog post to download 13 pages of free color therapy printables that include florals and mandalas for beginner to advanced color artists!
What Is Adult Coloring?
Adult coloring, also known as art therapy coloring or adult color therapy, is a creative and relaxing activity that involves coloring intricate designs, patterns, or illustrations using colored pencils, markers, or other coloring mediums (gel pens, markers, etc).
In the last 10 years, adult coloring has significantly gained popularity as a form of therapeutic practice to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. These therapeutic benefits have a direct correlation to our mental and emotional self-care, as it allows us to engage in a focused, meditative state.
As a readily accessible and user-friendly activity, coloring therapy combines elements of creativity, cognitive engagement, and emotional satisfaction, making it an effective tool for promoting well-being and mental calmness.
How Does Adult Color Therapy Work?
We get it. Adults can color. But how does adult color therapy actually work?
There have been numerous detailed studies published to prove the benefits of adult coloring and how it works, however, it’s really all quite simple.
Coloring therapy works by engaging the mind in a focused and meditative activity, promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional expression. The act of coloring intricate patterns requires concentration, leading to a state of mindfulness that reduces stress and anxiety.
It triggers the brain’s relaxation response, leading to physiological changes such as lowered heart rate and cortisol levels. This creative outlet offers a non-verbal means of emotional release and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Going through the repetitive and rhythmic motions of coloring, along with the choice of colors and the concentration required, can help individuals shift their attention away from stressors and distractions. This allows them to be present at the moment and experience a sense of calm.
20 Benefits of Adult Coloring
This blog post contains affiliate links. Clicking or purchasing through my links comes at no extra cost to you. Check out my full disclosure policy here.
We’ve spoken a lot of what adult color therapy is, and how it works…Now it’s time to get into all the benefits it has to offer!
Here are 20 Benefits of Adult Coloring:
- Stress Reduction: Engaging in coloring can activate the brain’s relaxation response, leading to reduced stress levels and a sense of calm.
- Mindfulness: The meditative nature of coloring encourages mindfulness, helping individuals stay present in the moment and alleviate anxiety.
- Emotional Expression: Choosing colors and patterns can serve as a non-verbal outlet for emotional expression, allowing individuals to process feelings and experiences.
- Improved Focus and Concentration: The concentration required for coloring intricate designs enhances focus and attention span.
- Creativity and Self-Expression: Coloring allows for creative expression without the pressure of creating a realistic or perfect piece of art.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a coloring page provides a tangible sense of achievement, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
- Emotional Regulation: Engaging in coloring can help individuals manage their emotions and reduce mood swings.
- Distraction from Negative Thoughts: The activity redirects attention away from negative thoughts and stressors, promoting a positive mental shift.
- Cognitive Stimulation: Coloring engages both hemispheres of the brain, promoting cognitive function, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness.
- Relaxation Response: Coloring can lead to physiological changes such as lowered heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, contributing to relaxation.
- Sense of Control: The act of choosing colors and patterns empowers individuals, giving them a sense of control over their creative process.
- Social Interaction: Coloring can be done individually or in groups, providing opportunities for social interaction, bonding, and shared experiences.
- Improved Motor Skills: Coloring involves precise movements, which can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Reduced Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: Engaging in creative activities like coloring has been linked to reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Personal Time and Self-Care: Taking time for coloring serves as an act of self-care, allowing individuals to prioritize their well-being.
- Positive Distraction: Coloring offers a positive and absorbing distraction from daily stressors and negative emotions.
- Boosted Confidence: The process of creating and completing a colored design can enhance self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
- Exploration of Color Psychology: Choosing specific colors can enable individuals to explore color psychology and their personal associations with different hues.
- Enhanced Sleep Quality: Engaging in coloring before bedtime can promote relaxation and potentially improve sleep quality.
- Enhanced Coping Mechanism: Coloring can serve as a healthy coping mechanism, helping individuals manage difficult emotions and situations.
Adult Coloring Must-Have Products
Make sure you’re well-equipped for your self-care coloring therapy with a set of premium pencils, available in a pack of 24!
If colored pencils aren’t your thing, try premium gel pens instead!
The Best Time Of Day For Adult Colouring
The best time of day for color therapy, or adult coloring, varies based on individual preferences and daily routines.
Some find that engaging in coloring therapy in the morning can set a positive tone for the day, while others may prefer it as a midday break to recharge and refocus. For many, coloring before bed can be a relaxing way to unwind and transition into a restful night’s sleep.
Ultimately, the ideal time for color therapy is when you can dedicate uninterrupted moments to engage with the activity, allowing it to become a mindful and rejuvenating practice that fits seamlessly into your daily life.
Try color therapy at different points of the day to see at what time you enjoy it the most!
Adult Coloring and ADHD
Among the many benefits mentioned above, adult coloring can also offer certain benefits for individuals with ADHD by providing a structured and focused activity that can help improve attention and concentration.
The repetitive motion and engagement required in coloring can serve as a sensory tool, aiding in sensory regulation and promoting a calming effect. While it may not replace comprehensive ADHD management strategies, incorporating coloring into a routine might assist in enhancing focus and offering a productive outlet for creative expression.
Does Adult Coloring Compare To Meditation?
A lot of the benefits we’ve mentioned about adult coloring have included mindfulness, relaxation, and focus. Many people have even compared it to the practice of meditation.
But can the two really be compared? Well, let’s see.
Adult coloring and meditation are both relaxation practices that offer unique yet interconnected benefits.
Coloring engages the mind with focused and creative activity, promoting mindfulness through the meditative process of selecting colors and filling intricate designs. It provides a visually satisfying and hands-on way to reduce stress and enhance focus.
On the other hand, meditation involves cultivating mindfulness through silent reflection, promoting inner exploration, emotional regulation, and physiological relaxation.
While coloring offers active engagement, creativity, and visual stimulation, meditation delves deeper into introspection, cultivating presence, and fostering a sense of inner calm. Both practices can complement each other in a comprehensive approach to well-being, catering to different preferences and needs.
Bottom Line: Self-Care Benefits of Adult Coloring
Amid the hustle and bustle, adult coloring therapy emerges as a form of tranquility and respite. From stress reduction and enhanced focus to emotional expression and the promotion of mindfulness, coloring therapy offers an oasis of calm in the midst of life’s storms.
With each stroke of color, we embrace a moment of mindfulness, gently nudging away worries and stressors. In the midst of colors coming to life, we find a canvas for our emotions, allowing us to process and express without words. This creative act, at its core, empowers us with a sense of accomplishment and self-love, reminding us that taking time for ourselves is not just a luxury but a necessity.
In a world that often demands more than we can give, coloring therapy extends an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to nurture ourselves. So let’s pick up those colored pencils and allow the canvas to become a mirror to our souls, reflecting back the beauty and resilience that reside within us.
As we embrace the therapeutic strokes, may we also embrace the journey of self-care – a journey that starts with a single color and unfolds into a masterpiece of well-being.
Want to explore the benefits of adult coloring even further? Check out Soft Spot Booms “The Benefits Of Adult Coloring” for an in-depth and complete guide.
FREE Printables For Adult Color Therapy
Simply download, print, and begin your adult color therapy journey.
Adult Color Therapy Download
Send download link to:
Need more than free printables? Look into purchasing an entire adult coloring book to dive a little deeper.