has posted a coupon.

has posted a coupon.

has posted a coupon.

has posted a coupon.

has posted a coupon.


News Taffy


Most RecentMost PopularTop ContributorsGalleriesEvents   

News Article
The Cardiologist's Wife - Adult Coloring Books
Jan 13, 2016

Adult coloring books are all the rage right now. Are you caught up in the craze, secretly longing for one or do you may think it’s a silly waste of time? I was secretly longing for one when my sister unexpectedly gave me one for my birthday along with a big box of colored pencils. Since I have enjoyed mine, I decided to look further into the coloring book phenomenon.

Any type of artistic pursuit can be therapeutic; doing something creative takes your mind off whatever is stressing you. Hobbies in general give us a more balanced life and allow us to use talents that might otherwise go unused in our daily life. The more we use all of our talents, the more satisfied we feel with our work and lives.

There is a growing body of evidence that engaging in artistic activities either as an observer or the creator enhances your mood and emotions which in turn can positively affect your physical health. Artistic activities can include music, movement or dance, writing, painting, drawing, sewing or pottery, among others. When you are totally absorbed in something like drawing or gardening, you achieve a state of “flow”, a positive, focused mental state also called “being in the zone” for sports enthusiasts.

Though some therapists and psychologists disagree on whether coloring books provide the same level of therapy or benefits of other creative pursuits, if you get a benefit and enjoy it, go for it. Many therapists find it can be relaxing and calming for their patients who may suffer from PTSD, anxiety disorders, binge eating disorders and other problems. Coloring can take us back to the carefree and happier days of childhood.

Coloring does use both sides of the brain and enhances focus and concentration, problem solving and organizational skills and give our fine motor skills a workout. Can you say “don’t color outside the lines”? I can attest to the fact that coloring is a good way to de-stress and to pass the time when you are stuck waiting. I get very antsy and irritable when I have to wait on someone and coloring totally takes my mind off the unavoidable situation.

So head to the store and pick your favorite coloring book and get some colored pencils. Colored pencils will be easier to use than crayons as most of the adult coloring books feature very small designs that will require a fine point, something crayons don’t have. A pencil sharpener will come in handy if you don’t have one left over from school days. Some people use fine tipped markers but these can bleed through the paper. Many coloring books feature mandala designs, which in Buddhist symbolism represent wholeness or the universe, or Mehndi designs, a traditional Middle Eastern art of painting intricate designs on the hands, feet or other body parts. There are also animal, flower or butterfly designs as well as coloring books from popular television shows. Relax, have some fun and who knows? Coloring books may inspire you to take up other art forms.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (1 vote)


[+] add comment