Pass the Colored Pencils

I loved coloring books when I was a little girl. I was so excited every time I’d get a new box of crayons. My favorite colors were Aquamarine, Hot Magenta, Cornflower, and Goldenrod.

Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about coloring as a new type of stress therapy. It seems like a fun activity to incorporate into treatment.

Art has therapeutic qualities. Many people find it relaxing to draw, paint, or sculpt clay. I’m creative, and love arts and crafts. I’m not a talented drawer. Stick figures are about it for me. But coloring in lines — that I could do.

There was an article in last week’s newspaper, dedicated to coloring for your health. Psychologist Alice Domar, Ph.D, says, “Coloring requires you to be in the moment. And that makes it meditative.” You can sit and be mindful of what you’re doing, instead of worrying about your anxiety. It can be soothing and a good distraction. Plus, at the end, you get a beautiful result.

I was wondering what kinds of coloring books adults buy. I pictured myself going into Toys R Us or Target and browsing the kid’s section. But there are coloring books for adults. Think of designs like paisleys, animals, botanicals, buildings, and decorative fans. I just did an Amazon search, and there are tons of gorgeous ones to choose from.

Time for a new box of crayons. And new Crayola colors: Macaroni and Cheese, Razzle Dazzle Rose, Cotton Candy, and Electric Lime.

Or, since I’m a grown up, maybe I should use colored pencils.

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Image courtesy of parade.com