Colouring Therapy Sweeps Adults off Their Feet: A Surprisingly Effective Way to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

In a world where mental health is becoming increasingly important, a simple yet innovative solution has emerged to soothe frayed nerves and calm troubled minds. Colouring therapy, once the domain of childhood creativity, has tapped into the adult psyche and is now being hailed as a therapeutic tool.

The latest trend in adult colouring has taken social media by storm, with #ColouringTok on TikTok and Reddit communities pouring over images of vibrant artwork, sharing tips and techniques, and inspiring others to pick up a pencil or pen. But what's driving this resurgence of interest in childhood activity?

Saba Harouni Lurie, licensed marriage and family therapist, art therapist, and founder of Take Root Therapy in Los Angeles, says colouring can be a profoundly helpful tool in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. "Coloring was a way to play, express ourselves, and engage in a soothing activity when we were children," she explains. "There's no reason that doesn't extend into adulthood."

Art therapists agree that the simplicity of colouring makes it an attractive option for adults. "When you're colouring, you're focused on the simple activity in front of you," says Harouni Lurie. "This begins to relax your mind and keep your thoughts from intruding."

Studies have shown that focusing on a singular action like colouring can help put your mind into a meditative state – also known as a flow state. This state is characterized by heightened focus, reduced self-awareness, and increased productivity.

"Colouring provides a delicate balance of requiring attention, the distraction, along with the sensorimotor engagement of the coloring itself," says Renée Zavislak, licensed psychotherapist and host of 'Psycho Therapist: The Podcast'. "It's a great way for people who struggle with the tedium of breathwork or meditation to tap into a more innocent and playful meditative state."

colouring has also been shown to reduce anxiety in adults by lowering heart rates, decreasing feelings of anxiety, and promoting relaxation. A study found that colouring in mandalas was particularly effective at reducing anxiety compared to free drawing.

Furthermore, the repetitive nature of colouring can put individuals into a mindful, meditative state, calming the mind and body. As Zavislak states, "It's like a warm hug for your brain."

The benefits of colouring extend beyond stress relief and relaxation. It has been shown to improve focus, problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of dementia.

Colouring is often described as an intuitive and non-judgmental activity that requires attention to detail – but does not demand creativity or artistic skill. As Lurie puts it, "This can be really soothing and allow us to yield to coloring without causing the stress that can sometimes be associated with the creative process."

As adults return to childhood activities like colouring, they are finding a new sense of joy and therapeutic release. It's an easy way to protect their brains, prevent stroke, and rekindle a creative spark that has been dwindling.

With its simplicity, accessibility, and benefits, it's little wonder that adult colouring has become the latest buzzword in mental health self-care. So why not give it a try this holiday season? Grab some coloured pencils or pens, and rediscover the therapeutic power of colouring therapy.