Coloring is relaxing activity for both children and adults, and can be used as a relaxation technique to decrease stress and anxiety. Anyone who draws, paints, does pottery, scrap-booking, or knits will tell you that it is a therapeutic activity- it’s not just about producing a product. We often think of coloring as a child’s activity, but when was the last time you doodled in a meeting, or got lost for a moment with some bright sharpies, or pastels? This blog post and the referenced article may inspire you to get lost in some colors.
Often, when I do a family therapy session that incorporates art, the parents really get into it; the family relaxes and enjoys creating something together as a family. Again, it’s not the finished product, it’s the process engaging in a relaxing activity together. As adults, we are often so busy that we don’t have time for the simple activities in life. Or maybe, we think it would be childish to color, or we aren’t artistic. I often hear adults say, “I can’t draw.” Well, art isn’t only about producing art, it’s about the therapeutic process involved with making art. When I was in college and graduate school I would get lost for many hours in the painting studio. My mind was free of day to day stressors and distractions. It was methodical, relaxing, and lovely. Of course, I am much busier these days, and I also need to remind myself to carve out some time for relaxation.
In counseling or therapy, certain art interventions have a specific purpose. For example, an art project designed to identify feelings that cannot be expressed verbally because of the trauma associated with the event. Or using art therapy because art therapy and play therapy works very well with young children. Children are naturals when it comes to building sand castles, coloring, and building 3D sculptures with leaves, twigs, and found objects. Their imagination in uninhibited and they use play and art as a form of relaxation. Adults, however, don’t always have the luxury of time, and often need a reason for their activity. How about stress relief and relaxation?
As an Art Therapist, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and an artist, I’ve witnessed the relaxation and de-stressing benefits of coloring. However, for any skeptics out there, this wonderful article discusses how coloring isn’t only therapeutic for kids, but can reduce stress in adults. In the article, the authors discuss the science of how “coloring combats stress.” When was the last time you colored? Did you find it relaxing?
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