How does coloring help the mind?
This is a great question! Coloring is mentioned often by healthcare professionals to destress, combat anxiety and / or depression. The main reason coloring is recommended to so many people is because it is a healthy way to change your focus from whatever is triggering your anxiety, depression, or stress to something more peaceful and positive.
Coloring uses both sides of the brain (the left-side of the brain controls logic and the right-side controls creativity). Using both sides of the brain can improve problem solving capabilities.
The act of coloring puts the brain into a meditative state, relaxing the person who is coloring. Lastly, coloring encourages someone to be in the present and only focus on what is going on in the moment. Mental health professionals refer to that as “mindfulness”. Focusing on the present moment can also distract the individual from their main stressors. This can be a positive activity before going to sleep instead of scrolling because it relaxes the mind and body.
Adult coloring books can be found at most retail stores or online. Coloring may not be for everyone and that is okay. But it is important to try everything once or a few times! What relaxes someone is different for everyone and it is important to try different things.
If you need help finding a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist. If urgent care is more comfortable for you, please visit this site for a list of Atlantic Health urgent cares.
