Coloring seems like a childish indulgence, but it is truly good for your health. The trend of adult coloring books has certainly spread in recent times. The amygdala (the fear center of the brain) can be relaxed by coloring. The mind can be rested and refresh itself with an enjoyable activity at any time of day. Here are the reasons why adults should color:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Studies have shown that coloring makes people happier, energetic, and calmer than if they were reading. A senior lecturer in the Department of Health and Social Sciences at UWE Bristol, Dr. Holt said, “Our first study confirmed evidence for the benefits of coloring on the mood that has been found in earlier studies, but the findings on mindfulness, creativity and visual attention are new and exciting.”
2. Improves motor skills and vision
It’s not just a skill that children learn to color in the lines, it is also one adult exercise when coloring. Coloring requires the use of both hemispheres of the brain. The simple act of choosing a color or pattern utilizes the brain’s creative abilities.
Related: 10 WEIRD BRAIN EXERCISES, HELP YOU GET SMARTER
3. Meditative properties
It’s a well-known fact that the light emitted from electronic devices reduces melatonin levels, which is very important for the sleep-wake cycle. Coloring provides relaxation to the point of meditation before bedtime. That downtime allows the brain to slowly ease into a good sleep.
4. Distraction from other problems
Coloring requires focus, so much so that it distracts from other worries of work, bills, health, family, etc. Positivity comes to the forefront and negativity takes a backseat. A clinical counselor, Leslie Marshall states that coloring, “opens up the frontal lobe of the brain- the home of organizing and problem solving – and focuses the mind.”
5. No pressure
There are a number of health benefits to coloring but above all, it is free of any pressure. There is no time limit. It is not a problem to be solved and therefore requires no correct answers. There is no competition. It is just a freeing experience that yields no results but enjoyment.
6. It can prevent future illness.
The act of coloring can, in fact, prevent future illnesses. Gloria Martinez Ayala, a psychologist says that coloring can actually delay or prevent illnesses associated with aging like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
It may sound silly for such a juvenile task to be so useful, but perhaps this is why children are so stress-free. If these are not reason enough for why adults should color, then perhaps nostalgia should be a good reason.
