Color Me Happy?

I'll be the first to admit it. I wouldn’t call myself “calm.” My instinct is always to go, go, go and move, move, move. It’s always been that way. Not only is it physically exhausting but it mentally drains you, too! Since I’ve become a mom, I’ve really noticed a change in the ways I like to unwind. Before my children, it was a lot easier to take a long and relaxing bubble bath by candlelight. Now? Not so much. The second I hop in the tub, whether I think they are asleep or not, one of them, comes out of nowhere and wants somthing. I have got to come up with a better way to destress!!

I recently heard about a trendy new stress reliever that takes you right back to your childhood: coloring. We all know art is a great way for people to meditate but for people with no artistic ability (like, me!) that could be stressful in itself. So, that’s where the coloring books of your past come into play. Coloring inside the lines, just like art, is extremely calming. As a form of “active meditation,” the simple act of using the repetitive motion of coloring helps retain focus and shifts your attention back to a relaxed state. In other words, when you focus on this particular activity, it takes your focus away from any worries or stressors. I remember years ago, working at the hospital, we would give out coloring books for therapy for children and their families. I also recently had a good friend of mine, whose mother died of Lymphoma. She was telling me how she was given a coloring book to help with her loss. She told me how therapeutic it has been for her.

Not only is coloring a great way to unwind but it’s also a fun way to connect and spend time with your kids. It forces us to be in the moment with them rather than being on our phones or constantly checking our email. I find myself doing it alot 'cause my daughter is a coloring addict. She has some sensory issues and coloring has made a huge difference in her attitude. It literally calms us both down now.

To my surprise, you can actually buy coloring books specifically for adults. I mean, we only have barbie and my little pony at my house so I knew I needed something more my style. I actually found ones that are catered toward all different moods: “Color Me Happy,” “Color Me Calm,” and “Color Me Stress-Free” to name a few. Each book is specially designed into therapeutically themed chapters to channel anxiety or just for a bright pick-me-up. Add a cup of calming tea or a glass of wine to the mix for ultimate zen.

Try it, you might really like it.

My friend Angie's works of art after her mother died. Love you Ang.

XOXO

Erin

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