Researchers and Art Therapists Recommend Adult Coloring Books

(Newswire.net — August 28, 2017) Wilmington, DELAWARE — Today, more and more people are turning to various measures just to make sure that they are able to manage the stress and pressure that they come across in life. There are many ways to do this, such as getting involved in a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. Engaging in art activities has also been thought to be extremely therapeutic.

Many researchers and art therapists recommend adult coloring books. For over a decade now, these experts have been trying to let the world see the calming benefits of this art activity.

Coloring books have been used by children for many years. However, in the recent years, researchers have discovered that this particular art activity may potentially offer some healing benefits.

In 2012 and 2013, the adult coloring books that first gained commercial success were published.

According to the researchers from the Johns Hopkins University as well as the editors of Yoga Journal, coloring may be an excellent alternative to meditation.

The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as a mental health profession. It involves the process of creating an artwork for the purpose of exploring feelings, fostering self-awareness, reconciling emotional conflicts, and managing behavior.

The art-making process also aims at developing social skills, reducing anxiety, improving reality orientation, and increasing self-esteem. These are some of the goals that an art therapist wants enthusiasts to achieve.

While the process involves making art, it is important to remember that enthusiasts are not required to possess a certain level of art skills or experience. Mary Grace Berberian, a certified art therapist and Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Graduate Art Therapy Program at NYU, states that coloring in itself cannot otherwise be called art therapy.

This is due to the fact that art therapies often rely on the relationship between the therapist and client. This means that using an adult coloring book is not entirely the same as having an art therapy session.

According to the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy was first practiced in the 1940s. While it is true that art therapy and coloring is not exactly the same, it is undeniable that coloring offers an array of possible benefits.

Berberian added that coloring could potentially contribute to anxiety reduction as well as aid in increasing mindfulness. 

In 2005, a groundbreaking research study revealed that there was a drop in anxiety levels in the study participants who colored mandalas. Mandalas are round frames that have geometric patterns. It has also been found that doodling did not produce the same effects on stress levels.

According to some experts, coloring is like meditation. It enables enthusiasts to switch off their brains from negative thoughts and emotions. They are then able to concentrate only on the moment. This is believed to be extremely helpful in alleviating free-floating anxiety.

To get started, it is important to remember that coloring may be more therapeutic if done solo. There are many coloring books available for adults nowadays. They may also use gel pens instead of crayons.

One of the most popular coloring materials is the Ultimate Gel Pen Collection offered by Tadkin. This pen set contains 100 pens in 100 different colors. It is ideal for individuals who want to engage in art therapy, such as with the use of adult coloring books.

This pen set from Tadkin comes in a range of amazing colors. It even comes with ergonomic packaging that makes storage and transport extremely easy.

(https://www.amazon.com/Gel-Pens-Set-Coloring/dp/B01HSGWY1Q)