You may have noticed that there has been a lot of interest in the mental health benefits of coloring for adults. I did some research and here’s a link to a list of 8 therapeutic benefits. Very cool stuff! It makes sense, then, that there’s also been a trend in coloring books and coloring apps marketed toward adults. Some are simple, others have complex, intricate designs, and still others are truly “adult” coloring books with mature language and/or images.

While I am no scientist and have done no official (or even unofficial) studies on this, I’ve always known that there was something wonderful about coloring. As a kid, coloring books were great for helping me to increase fine motor skills, as well as develop color coordination and artistic expression. It was magical to see the page come to life as I colored it.

It’s sad to say, but I didn’t really do much, if any, coloring during high school, college, or early adulthood. I don’t think I had picked up any crayons again until I had children and sat down to color with them. I had saved a few of my childhood coloring books, and it’s been fun to flip through them with my children to see my coloring efforts from what feels like so long ago. I had written a “completed by” date for almost all of the colored-in pages. (Yes, I am one of those kinds of people.) So every once in a while, I color in their coloring books with them, they color in my old ones with me. It’s great! Full circle yet again.

Yesterday, my daughter asked me what I wanted to do for fun, and out of no where, the idea to do some coloring came to mind. We’re living in stressful times these days, so coloring seemed like a good activity to take my mind off of things. My little boy joined us and we each set up a spot at the kitchen table with our coloring books/pages, as well as various coloring supplies. My children were happily chatting away as they colored, while I concentrated on my “masterpiece” of some potted cacti. Logan reminded me to stay inside the lines, while Emily gave me suggestions on colors to use. All in all, it was a great way to unwind a bit, be creative, and spend quality time with my children.

My son wanted to color this train.

My daughter had fun coloring this page with her scented markers. She’s a clever girl!

My coloring page, now proudly displayed on the fridge.

I don’t allow the kids to color in this book. It’s all mine!

I messed up on the house colors for Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Completed date for these pages: 1-21-2017

I’ve had this one for a while, but haven’t yet colored any of the pages.

Nostalgia, creativity, and a calm mind are an amazing trifecta. I think we all need to find some time in our busy lives to do some coloring, especially these days. Wouldn’t you agree?

As always, thanks for stopping by. ❤