Can coloring books calm you down?
By Wise Ghost
@WiseGhots (14603)
March 10, 2019 12:18pm CST
One of my friends has a child (7 years old) who suffers from high levels of anxiety said that part of the therapy she does is to paint coloring books.
I honestly can't understand how a person (even a child) can stay calm just by doing this. Of course it can help (basically, because it's a fun activity and a very good exercise for the brain), but should it be used as a way to practice therapy?
9 people like this
11 responses
@porwest (112864)
• United States
11 Mar 19
@WiseGhots I guess. But I tend to agree with you. Probably better than video games though.
@WiseGhots (14603)
•
10 Mar 19
Yeah. You're right on this.
I just think coloring books are too "lazy" to be used as a therapy... But, for kids, it can very helpful (I guess).
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
10 Mar 19
I have not done a coloring book since I was a young child.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
15 Mar 19
@WiseGhots
Everyone has to find their way to find what keeps them calm. I have been reading about adult coloring books and I am thinking of checking them out.
@janethwayne (5191)
• Philippines
11 Mar 19
I think it is because it is colorful and just like me if I feel anxious I will like to look at the blue colored water of the sea.And I feel calm.
@things4gotten (476)
• United States
10 Mar 19
Do you know that feeling you get when you complete a task? Maybe you solved a puzzle, or finished cooking a really tasty meal or cleaned out your closet or finished a book... whatever the case, you accomplished something and chances are your brain is releasing chemicals that are making you feel good about it. Your brain likes things organized, complete, in order and in control. Someone suffering from a great deal of anxiety and stress probably struggle to get those feelings.
A coloring page is like a micro version of those tasks mentioned above. Satisfaction comes from filling in segments with color and finishing a page. It doesn't require a great deal of thought to accomplish this. In fact, repetitive tasks like coloring can be almost meditative. It keeps your mind focused and busy.
Each part you color in is just a small part of a whole. To me, it seems like it is almost like a reminder that any seemingly daunting task can be broken up into smaller more manageable pieces. And when you are overwhelmed, panicked, and stressed about something this is a good reminder.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45111)
• Canada
10 Mar 19
I guess, if it works then we should do it. Right now, I'm ok! 
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
10 Mar 19
I have seen seniors at the mall happily coloring away so if it helps, I say go for it. Unfortunately it bores me to tears... I wish that I could. It should be very relaxing!!!
@wolfgirl569 (135910)
• Marion, Ohio
10 Mar 19
I enjoy them and am in my 50s. They can be relaxing for me.
@SophiaMorros (5044)
• Belews Creek, North Carolina
10 Mar 19
It makes sense to me. Colouring neatly requires focus and attention. It's also a creative outlet.
Hand sewing does the same for me.
