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Anti-stress coloring is a versatile activity that can be enjoyed in either paper or electronic format and offers more benefits than just overcoming boredom and enhancing mood. In this material, we will explore the additional advantages of anti-stress coloring.
Cope with symptoms of depression and anxiety
In 2017, researchers in the United States sought to investigate the potential impact of anti-stress coloring on the psychological well-being of individuals with anxiety and depression. To achieve this goal, they assigned study participants to one of two groups: the first group engaged in daily coloring activities, while the second group solved logical puzzles. The study lasted for a week.
Before and after the experiment, the scientists measured various psychological indicators, such as depressive symptoms, stress, anxiety, joy, and mindfulness. The results showed that the participants who engaged in anti-stress coloring had significantly lower levels of negative mental health characteristics compared to those who solved puzzles. Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that coloring can be a beneficial adjunct to the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Trigger feelings of nostalgia
Picking up pencils, markers, and anti-stress coloring books often triggers feelings of nostalgia in many individuals, which is a positive emotion associated with improved mood, optimism, and pain relief. We have previously delved into the scientific aspect of how nostalgia impacts people in a previous article.
Distract from everyday worries and thoughts
Psychologist Anthony Martinez from the United States suggests that anti-stress coloring books can be a helpful tool for people to temporarily shift their focus away from everyday concerns and engage in a pleasant activity. Additionally, coloring can aid in regulating emotions and reducing negative self-talk.
Furthermore, coloring can enhance one’s problem-solving abilities. By taking a brief break to color and then revisiting a particular situation, individuals may find it easier to generate more solutions and determine the optimal course of action.
Improve fine motor skills
According to therapist Hannah Lee from the United States, it is essential to continue developing fine motor skills beyond childhood. These skills are necessary for performing daily tasks, ranging from handwriting to tying shoelaces. Moreover, activities that promote fine motor skills involve multiple areas of the brain, leading to the formation of new neural connections. This, in turn, can improve cognitive functions, such as memory.
Dr. Lee recommends selecting anti-stress coloring books with small yet detailed images, and utilizing various coloring tools, such as pencils, markers, pastel chalks, brushes, and paints. The type and features of these tools can also impact the development of fine motor skills.
Develop attention
Mandalas and other anti-stress coloring books that feature numerous small and repetitive details can aid in attention development, as per the insights of Joel Bobby, a psychiatric social worker based in the United States. This is because coloring requires individuals to concentrate on selecting the appropriate color and shape, encouraging them to remain present in the moment, exercise visual memory, and enhance their ability to focus on the task at hand. The more one engages in coloring activities, the more likely they are to observe an improvement in their attention span for various daily activities.
Improve sleep
Psychotherapist Sarah Kristenson, based in Australia, suggests that anti-stress coloring books may be beneficial for individuals experiencing sleep issues, including those who struggle to fall asleep due to smartphone use before bedtime. By replacing the habit of scrolling through social media feeds with the use of paper anti-stress coloring books, individuals can unwind and detach from negative thoughts, which can stimulate the production of melatonin – the hormone that regulates sleep. As a result, falling asleep may become easier and quicker.
Learn more about yourself
Color psychology suggests that a person’s preferred shades can provide insights into their personality and mental condition. Through the use of anti-stress coloring books, one can identify their preferred color combinations and gain a deeper understanding of their color preferences.
Train both hemispheres of the brain
When choosing colors for coloring, an individual employs their “creative” right hemisphere of the brain, which enables them to visualize and think in images. Additionally, during the coloring process, the left hemisphere of the brain is also activated as fine motor skills are utilized. Thus, incorporating anti-stress coloring into one’s daily routine can train both hemispheres of the brain, resulting in improved cognitive function.
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