The Calming Benefits of Coloring for Children
How Coloring Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Do you remember the days of coloring books, relaxing and not worrying about anything else?
Coloring as a way to reduce anxiety has become popular, not just intuitively as it is with children, but also with teens, young adults and adults. Studies in adults (Curry & Kasser, Mantzios & Giannou) have shown that coloring can reduce anxiety, and other studies have shown that coloring can reduce stress and negative emotions. From the physiological point of view, neuropsychologist Dr. Stan Rodski showed coloring changes your heart rate and brain wave activity.
Why Mandalas Offer Even Greater Calming Benefits
It is not clear why coloring helps reduce stress and anxiety, but it seems that the more intricate the coloring, the more beneficial it is. Studies have shown better relief when coloring mandalas. A mandala is a geometric figure representing the universe in Hindu or Buddhist symbolism and in ancient Hindu scriptures, mandalas are depicted as a period of creativity, of powerful existence, and a deeper connection with the self and universe at large (One Tribe Apparel blog, Oct 2018).
Cognitive Benefits Beyond Relaxation
In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, coloring exercises the mind and activates the part of the brain responsible for creativity and logical thinking.
While coloring may not necessarily create the same mental benefits as creating art or of following guided art therapy, it appears to be a good way to turn off electronics and reduce stress. With the busyness, stress and rapid pace of today’s life, coloring is a good way to escape for a bit and enjoy a low-pressure activity. So let’s start coloring those horses, monkeys, mountains, or better yet, some mandalas.
