Five Reasons to Get Colouring

1) Brain Training

Le's get the science-y stuff out the way... Activities such as colouring forces your left and right hemispheres, of your brain, to work together; thus combining both logic and creativity. When colouring we are forced to concentrate and focus, our frontal lobe is stimulated which in turn improves motor function, organisation skills and problem solving. It works similarly to other brain training games such as cross word puzzles and sudoku.

2) Stress Therapy

Colouring can be seen as an alternative to traditional meditation. I'm a massive over-thinker and I sometimes find it impossible to switch off which of course, sends my stress levels through the roof. I find that within 15 minutes of colouring (no matter how stressed I am) all of a sudden, I am completely in the moment and my focus is entirely on the project at hand. This is a transferable skill that can aid you to help gain control of your stress. 

3) You're in Control

You wanna colour your elephant in green? Go for it... If you wanna colour a blue banana or an orange penguin. I fully support that! The best part about colouring is that it gives you free reign and the freedom to be yourself. It's not a competition, you don't have to stay within the lines and it doesn't have to be perfect. You never know, you may even surprise yourself!

4) Anxiety & Stress

Studies have shown there is a direct correlation between people who suffer with stress/ anxiety and how their symptoms improved when colouring. People suffering with anxiety and stress are kept in heightened states of worry, panic and other various symptoms. When colouring, you can be unknowingly transported back to a happier time when you used to do things simply for pleasure. For example, when you were a child with no responsibilities, you choose to do some colouring simply for the purpose of enjoyment. Focusing on a calming activity reduces focus from worry and panic, giving your brain a well deserved break.   

5) Technology Break

We're all guilty of picking up our phone too often, there's no denying that, it's easily done. Colouring gives you a break from social media, without even trying and I personally think that would do us all some good. Think about it, a break from comparing yourself to that blogger or those flawless beautiful women, or the guy with the successful job, or the person who's travelling all over the world, or that perfect relationship... the list goes on! Social media is a platform for competition and it's no wonder why so many people feel bad about themselves when they're constantly being fed photos and words about 'perfect' people with their 'perfect' lives. This could be a whole post on it's own but it's important to remember that people only show what they want you to see and they're just as insecure as you are, trust me. 

Disclaimer- Stress, anxiety and mental health issues are very serious and can have a threatening impact on the individuals life. These issues are not to be belittled or brushed aside and I am in no way, shape or form saying that these problems can be addressed and solved just by colouring. I'm simply saying colouring is an activity that can potentially help all of us in different ways.