When the mind becomes focused in a creative task, worrisome thoughts tend to fade away. As the creative mind “plays” feel-good neurochemicals such as serotonin can activate positive feelings of wellness and serenity.
Whether you used colored pencils to create your own drawings or doodle in an adult coloring book, your mind and body relax when you are engaged in a focused, soothing activity
COLORING FOR STRESS RELIEF: TAKE THE NEXT STEP
- Coloring is no longer an activity for kids. It has become a socially accepted activity for adults as well.
- Coloring is a fun way to relieve stress and can provide a welcome break from electronic devices.
- Coloring makes an excellent pre-bedtime ritual, and it’s healthier than common alternatives – answering emails, binge-watching favorite shows, catching up on social media, or reading on an e-reader.
- Unfortunately, exposure to the blue light emitted by your electronic device disrupts your circadian rhythm and contributes to insomnia.
- The use of electronics in the evening also significantly reduces the production of the sleep hormone Melatonin.
- Besides just being entertaining, studies and experts now agree adult coloring books can help reduce anxiety. “It’s an active, creative kind of outlet.”
- Coloring sparks brain activity and activates the parts of the brain responsible for creativity and logic.
- Coloring is considered a good “mind exercise” because it utilizes both sides of the brain’s cerebral cortex – an important system of control as it promotes motor skills and coordination.
- When you color, you utilize the logic-based part of the brain through the choice of color or pattern. When you choose to pair or blend colors, you utilize the creative part of your brain. Coloring works-out both brain hemispheres, so that’s a total win-win!
- Learning to self soothe during a period of trauma is essential to coping, and many are finding that coloring helps combat though experiences without getting wrapped up in the accompanying emotions.
- Coloring books can also train our brains, making us more efficient, logical and mentally strong.
- Coloring can actually make you sharper and healthier by “opening” up the frontal lobe of the brain, which is the home of organizing and problem solving – and focuses the mind.
- This can improve reasoning abilities as coloring gives the brain a chance to focus selectively. Additionally, coloring is so efficient in activating the cerebral cortex that the pastime can delay or prevent illnesses associated with aging, like dementia.
There are so many kinds of themed adult coloring books such as, Animals, Flowers, Religion based, mandalas, etc. They can be found in almost any store.
COVID-19 Mental Effects on the Elderly:
- loneliness
- depression
- anxiety
- high blood pressure
- cognitive decline
Suggested activities to do at home:
- keep up with daily routines
- visit family by phone
- chair exercises
- looking at photos
- puzzles
- crossword puzzles
- word find puzzles
- coloring
- playing card games
- reading your favorite book
- write a letter
- crafts