Living Well Right now, two of the top 10 best-selling books on Amazon are adult coloring books (and another two are in the top 20).
Art therapy has long held a place in nursing and assisted-living facilities. It's a low-impact activity that can stimulate the mind and promote relaxation. And some colleges today offer stress-busting activities before final exams. Among the most popular – coloring sessions.
Coloring – specifically, mindful coloring that includes filling in patterns – has been shown to mimic the benefits of traditional meditation. Focusing your attention on the colors and patterns can help free your mind from distractions. And according to the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, structured coloring promotes a level of meditation that reduces anxiety.
Famous psychologist Carl Jung wrote about his own forays into drawing and painting intricate, geometric, circular designs, known as "mandalas," as a way to tap into his subconscious.
Don't be like 20% of Americans and do nothing to manage your stress. If you don't want to sit still to meditate, grab some crayons and start coloring.