Can you remember the last time you coloured in a colouring book? Before the pandemic, I had probably only coloured a handful of times in adolescence and adulthood. In my mind, it was something I had outgrown. Even after I learned about the stress relief benefits associated with colouring, and though I enjoyed it the few times I tried it, I never really made colouring a habit.
That is, until 2020. Over the years, I had learned to manage my anxiety and had it under control with the help of my family [1] and therapist. But once COVID-19 struck, I realised that maintaining control was going to require me to adopt new habits.
Many people recommend reading a book before bed [2] to wind down and prepare for a good night's sleep, but some nights my anxiety was so high I couldn't concentrate or process what I was reading. My mind would race 1,000 miles per minute, and I'd find myself reading without really reading. So, I decided to try colouring before bed, and let me tell you — I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is it relaxing, but it's also something I look forward to. I turn on my essential oil diffuser [3], put my phone on Do Not Disturb mode, turn on some music, and begin colouring without worrying about the end result. I've learned to simply enjoy the process.
Now I end my day with a sense of tranquility. The quality of my sleep has improved, and as a result, my anxiety has decreased. If I begin to feel stressed or anxious during the day, I give myself about 10 minutes of colouring to help me relax. I even gifted my best friend a colouring book for her birthday because I'm a true believer in the positive effects it can have on your mind. In addition to the mental health benefits, it's also sparked my creativity [5], making it easier for me to think of new ideas.
Colouring has been shown to help ease stress and promote relaxation [6], at least in the short term. There's a reason adult colouring books [7] have become so popular! But even if colouring isn't your thing, I encourage you to find a creative outlet you enjoy. Don't worry about whether you're good at it or not, and simply give yourself the chance to explore. Your mind will thank you for it.