For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite things to do on my off-time has been to color. Pictures of animals, oceans, gardens and Scooby-Doo! I have recently picked up a few coloring books for grown ups, ones with elaborate designs and optimal coloring opportunities. I even have one now that is called "Netter's Anatomy Coloring Book," which Frank H. Netter illustrated. I find myself picking up my coloring books and colored pencils when I am at my most stressed. A cup of coffee or tea and Crayola colored pencils probably does not seem like the capital choice of de-stressing does it? Yet, in fact, it is.
I now own four coloring books for grown ups: Deep Sea Adventure, Calming Swirls, Forests,and Netter's Anatomy Coloring Book. I also have a collection of Crayola colored pencils that would be found in a kindergarten student's dreams. When I am stressed, waking up or even bored, I can find solace in these few things. When paired with a cup of coffee or chai green tea, it makes for the most comfortable moments.
Here is the best part: coloring has been scientifically proven to combat stress in adults. Coloring is a practice that we quickly associate with children. We stow away our crayons and markers for things like pens and highlighters when we go from elementary to middle to high school and then on to college. Nevertheless, with the proven facts, I think that every student of any age should own a coloring book and an elaborate collection of colored pencils, crayons or markers.
Psychologists and biologists have discovered that the practice of coloring generates wellness, quietness and also helps motor function and creative portions of the brain. It can help people who are suffering from the early symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia, and can calm people who are suffering from anxiety / paranoia attacks. Hopefully one day I will own coloring books for grown ups in many volumes so that I may never grow worried or anxious and so that I can relieve stress whenever I may need to.
So, my advice to you is to go out and buy yourself a coloring book and a nice set of colored pencils, crayons or markers. Put it into the drawer of your desk at school, on your night stand next to your bed or store it someplace at work. Therefore, when you need it, you can pull it out and calm yourself down, making your work output stronger and less stressful.
But remember, never let your coloring get in the way of what's important (school, family or work) and to always use it as a source of stress relief or for when you're bored and just need something fun to do!
Happy coloring!
