The Medical Benefits of Coloring
- Andy Schwartz
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 19
Coloring is a fun activity and means to produce wonderful works of art, but there are many medical experts who have stated that coloring can also have benefits for our health and well being. A WebMD article, written by Dr. Dan Brennan, lists some of the potential health benefits of coloring every day. Here are a few of the benefits Dr. Dan includes.
Coloring can improve your focus. By spending time to focus on a relaxing and engaging coloring exercise, you can wash away distracting thoughts and bring clarity into your life. Dr. Dan says that coloring activates your frontal lobe, that's the best lobe to activate for focusing. By coloring, your frontal lobe will be activated and you can focus on one thing and help yourself relax. After coloring you'll be relaxed and ready to take on your next challenge.
Coloring reduces anxiety. The article goes on to state that there have been many studies conducted on colorers and those studies show that coloring can be a big anxiety reducer. Coloring for 20 minutes or more lowers your heart rate as well. Coloring can improve your mood, enhance your mindfulness and reduce your mental stress. Indeed, coloring is known as a great form of art therapy.
Coloring can help you sleep. If you're the type who has a hard time falling asleep, you can try coloring. Blue light from electronics interferes with some people's ability to fall asleep and affects melatonin levels. Coloring is another form of disconnecting and therefore removes sleep obstructing electronics from your vision.
Coloring can induce a meditative state. Dr. Dan says that a meditative state occurs when you stop worrying about the past or future, suspend your inner dialogue and remove negative thoughts and emotions. The repetitive and thoughtful action of coloring will help you acheive a meditative state.
There have been numerous videos on the subject of coloring as therapy. Six Children Press discusses the benefits of coloring in this relaxing and meditative video.
What other activities help you relieve stress and wind down? What activities help you focus and activate your frontal lobe?
I love to color! I am an expressive-arts therapist so I know first hand the power of art. Have you ever tried bilateral coloring - coloring with both hands at the same time? It doesn't make for gorgeous, in-the-lines coloring, but it engages both hemispheres of the brain at the same time and has amazing therapeutic benefits! It is one of my favorite exercises to work with trauma.
Coloring is such a simple yet powerful way to relax and refocus! I love how it helps with anxiety, improves sleep, and even induces a meditative state. It’s amazing that something so creative can have real mental health benefits. Definitely inspired to pick up some coloring books again!