Recently I have been dealing with major mood swings. I have been battling a lot of depression and feeling overwhelmed. This being the case I have been exploring ways to cope with these feelings. One of the things that I have found helpful is coloring. I have always enjoyed being artistic, but when I am depressed – it seems like too much effort to pull out all of my art supplies. So, one night after work I pulled out a coloring book and some gel pens. An hour later I was left with a pretty picture and a lighter heart. I decided to look into this new trend – and it seems that coloring is actually being regarded as another form of meditation!
According to the Huffington Post; coloring as a relaxation technique has actually been around since the 20th century with Carl G. Jung. In her article Elena Santos says “When coloring, we activate different areas of our two cerebral hemispheres, says psychologist Gloria Martínez Ayala. “The action involves both logic, by which we color forms, and creativity, when mixing and matching colors. This incorporates the areas of the cerebral cortex involved in vision and fine motor skills [coordination necessary to make small, precise movements]. The relaxation that it provides lowers the activity of the amygdala, a basic part of our brain involved in controlling emotion that is affected by stress.”” (Check out the full article here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coloring-for-stress_n_5975832)
For me, I have noticed that coloring helps me to breathe. I feel more centered and grounded after I have colored, and I actually sleep better.
What techniques do you use for stress relief?
Do you meditate?
How do you get centered?
Happy Coloring!
XO, Jorjia
As always, thank you for your continued support. You matter to us!
References
Coloring Isn’t Just For Kids. It Can Help Adults Combat Stress. By Elena Santos
Huffington Post https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coloring-for-stress_n_5975832)
Oh Amy! I am so sorry to hear you’ve been battling. I totally know how it feels to not even have the energy or motivation to try to do something to feel better…. I struggle with BPD…which has its whole own host of challenges, but also brings on bouts of depression and anxiety… I’m currently going through a divorce as well in the midst of this COVID19 lockdown (when it doesn’t rain it pours right!) and I must say… I also just one night decided…you know what enough is enough let me atleast just get a piece of paper and try to put some of these emotions down on it – atleast then they won’t be in my head anymore. And it is actually working! I now draw my own coloring pages with positive affirmations and color them religiously. When I’m done with them, they go on my wall to remind me that there is always something….we can do…. So I can so relate!! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Made me feel less lonely today 🙂
Hi!! Thank you so much for sharing with us! I took a peak at your page and I LOVE IT!! What an incredible idea!! I will definitely be downloading and coloring some of your pictures. I also work at a treatment center – so I am going to bring some in for them to color! They are going to be thrilled! One of my best friends struggles with BPD as well – from what I have learned from her it can be so difficult. I honestly think that the world is brighter because we have people with BPD. I don’t know of anyone who can love harder than someone with borderline. We need that. Anyways, thank you again so much for commenting! I hope we will talk more in the future. Good luck with all that you are fighting right now. You are going to help so many people! Sending hugs to you!
Wow Amy, I am humbled by this amazing feedback. I don’t think anyone has ever said something like that to me. That’s it I am writing it down and turning it into a coloring page LOL. Thank you so very very much!!! You made my day!!! Lots of love. Lots of hugs!!!!
Oh and this fish picture is absolutely stunning! You are right, you are definitely very artistic!