5 Reasons Coloring Helps Reduce My Anxiety and Depression

Everyone has different ways of dealing with anxiety and depression. Some people benefit most through intense physical exercise. Others find relief through social activities or creativity. Lately, I find that coloring helps me deal with anxiety and depression. To learn about why coloring improves my mental health, continue reading this post.

5 Ways Coloring Helps Me Deal with Anxiety and Depression

1. Coloring temporarily distracts me from my worries. One thing I love about coloring is that it requires a tremendous amount of attention. Intricate designs can be difficult to color. So instead of thinking about my worries, I focus on a picture and my color choices. Before I know it, several minutes have passed. Spending just a little time coloring reduces the amount of time I spend worrying about things that may or may not happen.
2. Coloring frees my soul. Life is full of responsibilities. Anxiety causes me to feel overwhelmed and out of control. When I color, I get to choose my favorite designs and colors. Having a hobby that restores my sense of control allows me to let go and have fun. By taking short breaks to enjoy coloring, I can go back to my responsibilities and accomplish them with a clear and content mind.
3. Coloring challenges me to accept and embrace imperfections. This might sound a bit odd, but coloring can serve as exposure therapy. I tend to obsess over perfect details. When I first started coloring, I became upset when I messed up on a pattern. After coloring for several years, I have learned that pictures and patterns do not have to be perfect. In fact, the imperfections make designs look more interesting. They also create more opportunities for creativity. When I make little mistakes in life, I try to remember that they can still lead to positive outcomes. By thinking this way, I feel better about myself and life in general.
4. Coloring gives me something to look forward to every day. As previously stated, coloring requires a lot of attention. While it is a fun hobby, it can be very time-consuming. When I feel depressed, I don't feel like doing anything. My therapist encouraged me to color every morning. He said doing something is better than doing nothing at all. So it is important to do something I enjoy. Even if I do not finish a picture, I can feel good about starting it and look forward to completing it later.
5. Coloring helps me feel connected to like-minded people. Depression can make people feel alone. Even though I have friends, I sometimes feel as though no one truly understands me. Luckily, technology allows people to connect with those who share similar interests. Through social media websites like Facebook and Instagram, I have found that many people who enjoy coloring also struggle with mental health issues. Sharing colorful pictures online is a way of encouraging positivity in each other's lives.

It is very important to find an outlet that will benefit your mental health. Have you tried coloring for your anxiety and depression? What is your favorite hobby? How does it enhance your life? Inspire others by sharing your ideas in the comments.