Color My World

Photo Source:  mytcr8tiv.wordpress.com

Recently, I went shopping at JoAnn's Fabrics and upon entering the store there was a display for "Adult Coloring Books", after hearing about them from a co-worker.  Under the ruse that I am "too high energy" to sit still (no ruse - really - that is a fact)...  I bought one for the purpose of bringing it with me to a weekly meeting that I attend. 

While, some people bring their knitting, and others doodle; I felt a little foolish, at first, with my new coloring book in front of me. Then, I discovered that the person sitting next to me, had her own coloring book in her tote bag, and praised me for pulling mine out.  She said she had bought many of these, and gives them to clients and co-workers for the sole purpose of providing a calming activity. I'll admit, I breathed a sigh of relief.  I also discovered that in July of 2015, 6 of the 20 top selling books on Amazon were Adult Coloring Books.  (More resources are available at the bottom of this post)

Photo Source:  lifestyler.inquirer.net

Now, take a moment and think about all the places that you have to wait...  Meetings, airports, doctor's offices and restaurants come to my mind.  Sure, you have a cell phone on which you can play Angry Birds, but how about considering the activity coloring as an alternative to your games App? 

Why Coloring is healthy and productive   

1.  The psychological benefits of using of coloring books, or simply coloring in general has been a prescribed method for calming those who suffer from anxiety since the early 1900's.  It was introduced by Carl Jung - the inventor of analytical psychology - who gave his patients mandalas to color as a form of relaxation.  It apparently worked well, as psychologists today, still recommend coloring as an activity to reduce stress.

2.  Coloring is good for you and your brain.  It unlocks the part of your brain called the amygdala (the part of your brain where fears are developed) and actually allows your brain to rest and stimulates your motor skills and senses.  

3.  Coloring awakens fun memories of childhood, which we commonly associate with times without responsibilities and daily pressures of being an adult.

Photo Source:  shesaid.com

If you want to give it a try before purchasing your own book, (and because free is better!) I have come to the rescue! :)

All of the following images are "original size" so they should fit your page, without having to adjust your margins.

Please note:  If, for some reason, your image appears too large, you can click on the image and you will notice little dots in each corner which will allow you to manipulate the size so that it fits on your page.  

INSTRUCTIONS:

How to use any or all the pictures on this blog post.  

1.  Keep this Vermont DeadLine post open on your computer.

2.  Next, open a separate word document like Word Pad (located in your accessories section of your start menu), Word or even Google Docs (which you can access any time, any place in the world if you have gmail).

3.  On this blog:  Right click on the image you want to capture and a drop down menu will appear.

4.  Select "copy image".

5.  Go back to your word document and right click, and the drop down menu will appear again.

6.  Select "paste".

Your blank coloring page (image) will appear.  

Repeat these instructions until you have as many as you want and then print them onto white copy paper.  Next, I suggest that you use a 3 hole punch, and add to a back of a binder that you bring to a meeting, or just make a new binder for this activity.  Buy some crayons or *colored pencils and keep them with the binder, and they will be at the ready to alleviate your boredom or inactivity.  There are 47 different options, below. :)

*Using markers or pens are not recommended when using copy paper, as the alcohol will seep through and ruin the image below. 

My final comment regarding the use of Adult Coloring Books, is that this is an activity that you can absolutely do at home.  Video and NBC news article.

I bought one for my mother-in-law for Christmas, with a set of fine tipped crayons.  I told her that one option she may consider, is to keep it near her phone, so that she can pull it out while she is chatting with a family member or friend.  Simply put the phone on speaker and doodle away!  I also read that this activity is fantastic at the end of a work day, as it allows you to naturally unwind, focus and to re-center.

Enjoy!

WHERE TO FIND ADULT COLORING BOOKS:

Michael's

Barnes and Noble

Crayola

Dover


And here is a great article about why adults are returning to coloring books, by Adrienne Raphel, at The New Yorker.


If you wish, you can "Follow" Vermont DeadLine, by choosing one of the following options, located on the right side of this blog. Thank you!

Happy New Year! 

~Denise Goodwin