Easy Way To Experience More Mindfulness ~ Adult Coloring Books

       

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According to Psychologytoday.com mindfulness is defined 'as a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you carefully observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.'

I have been trying to achieve this state of 'living in the moment' for a while. I got a book that suggested sitting still and observing nature. However my mind goes into so many different directions that I found myself coming up with commentary for what the animals were probably thinking. Don't judge me. Lol! Hear more about this story on my Anchor.fm station. 

Then on Twitter, someone shared a link to an adult coloring book featuring The Rugrats. Ahh I used to love that show! I started thinking not only about how much I enjoyed the show, but about how much I enjoyed coloring as a child. Then it hit me. This must be why adult coloring books are so popular now! How can you be upset while coloring?

I wondered if there was any evidence that coloring for adults is good for your mood or was it just a clever marketing tactic. As it turns out, there are benefits to busting out the colored markers** (adult crayons) and letting your imagination flow. Many organizations, such as the editors of Yoga Journals, suggest coloring as an alternative to meditation.*

Marygrace Berberian, a certified art therapist, believes that coloring is therapeutic and has the potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring or mindfulness.* Also, there was a study done in 2005 that proved that anxiety levels dropped when subjects colored mandalas*. So go get you a book, some pencils, and get to coloring! :)

                                         

*Used research from article on CNN.com
** Amazon links are affiliate links