I am one of 12 judges, and entries may begin on August 2nd, National
Coloring Day. All entries must be submitted by midnight on August 30th.
Winners will win prizes, some of which include one of my coloring
books!
If you’d like to learn more about how drawing, coloring, and creating can make a positive impact on mental health, read on!
The Health Benefits of Art
Research shows that drawing, coloring, and other fine motor activities
help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the fight
or flight response, easing stress and unleashing creativity. Studies
suggest that painting pictures, making music, sewing skirts, or creating cakes can have the following positive benefits for mental health.
A study called “ The Influence of Art Making on Anxiety: A Pilot Study ”
suggests that a little time working on art can significantly reduce a
person’s state of anxiety. Another study indicates that art allows
people to forget about their condition for a while, allowing them to
focus on the positive things in their life.
Being wholly focused
on a craft project can have an effect similar to meditation, which
research suggests can help in the management of anxiety and depression.
Increased happiness
Dopamine is a chemical associated with the
reward center in your brain. Among other things, it provides feelings of
enjoyment to help you start or continue doing certain activities.
A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that
people with depression are lacking in dopamine. Crafting is a
non-medicinal way to stimulate dopamine, which ultimately makes you feel
happy. In a study of 3,500 knitters, researchers found that 81 percent
of knitters with depression perceived that knitting made them feel
happier.
More and more, research like the above is indicating
that art, crafts, and coloring are an effective tool for promoting
happiness and overall well-being.
If you’re ready to give it a try, check out Healthline’s coloring pages and Get Coloring!
https://www.healthline.com/program/color-for-calm
