My art therapy colleagues Gioia and Rebecca highlighted the benefits of coloring during the pandemic as a way of coping with COVID. Their Creative Wellbeing Workshops, LLC newsletter featured a coloring book that Rebecca created, called Coloring Creates Wellbeing: The Desert Mandalas Coloring Book, so she is not only an art therapist colleague, she is also a fellow coloring book creator! Check out their suggestions for helping deal with the continued effects of the C19 pandemic.
|
With the heightened stress of the recent elections and the resurgence of the virus converging with the upcoming holidays, we've been asked to write more on coping with COVID. One of our favorite stress reducing strategies is coloring. This is perhaps not surprising, since this is one of Rebecca's passions and she illustrated a coloring book (more about the Desert Mandalas Coloring Book below).
The simplest and most compelling reason we promote coloring is that it is so effective at helping people relax. You don't have to be an artist, or know how to draw, or even particularly like art. The pre-existing designs invite people to jump in and then the repetitive action of filling in the designs gets them into flow.
This is especially helpful for people who wish that they could meditate but who find it too difficult to sit still--coloring produces many of the same physiological effects. Please note that we are not suggesting that coloring is a replacement for meditating. However, it is remarkable that coloring is so successful at creating the stress reducing benefits that people are trying to achieve through meditating.
For example, coloring induces the relaxation response which includes lowering of the heart rate and blood pressure, as well as beneficial changes in brain wave activity. It helps people focus, concentrate, and be more mindful. It also provides a positive distraction from anxious and pressured thoughts. Click here if you want to learn more about the scientific benefits of coloring.
Now that adult coloring has become so popular, the selection of coloring books is practically endless. There are coloring books that feature everything from your favorite pets and plants to your favorite musicians, actors, and public figures. You can find coloring books that are more simple and straightforward or very complex and detailed.
 |  |
As always, we send you our well-wishes during these challenging times. Please know that we are with you in our thoughts and sending you our love and appreciation.
Stay safe and well during the holidays,
Positively Rebecca & Gioia
Art activity
Print either the coloring sheet above, this one here, or find one online that appeals to you.
Gather some art supplies--usually people use crayons, markers, and pencils but you can also use pastels or paints if the paper is thick enough. See how you respond to the coloring process. We hope if it helps you quiet your mind and relax. As always, feel free to post your artwork on our Facebook page . We'd love to see them.
 | |
Rebecca is available for online therapy sessions if you need support during this time. Click here to learn more about working with her. Contact her directly at 202-352-5225 or at rebecca@creativewellbeingworkshops.com if you want to chat with her about what that would look like.
We are also available for workshops on coping with stress, combatting burnout and compassion fatigue, and increasing personal and professional wellbeing. Click here to see our menu of workshops.
We are also available for workshops on coping with stress, combatting burnout and compassion fatigue, and increasing personal and professional wellbeing. Click here to see our menu of workshops.
ON SALE! Rebecca's coloring book is available again and on sale for the rest of November and December!
10% Off during November and December. Thirty unique designs showcasing the magical flora and fauna of the Arizona Sonoran desert to help you relax, reduce your stress, and get you into flow. Includes an introduction on the benefits of coloring and suggestions for coloring.
 | |
10% Discount Nov and Dec/On Sale $23 (normally $26)
Spiral Bound so pages lie flat
Larger 10 x 10 inch format
Printed on heavier one-sided paper
No bleed through
Use discount code: holidaysale2020
Order Coloring Creates Wellbeing: The Desert Mandalas Coloring Book now to get the discount! Read about the therapeutic benefits of coloring here .
LEARN MORE ABOUT POSITIVE ART THERAPY!
Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice: Integrating Positive Psychology.
Available at a 30% markdown. We hope y ou'll find this manual both entertaining and practical--an invaluable tool for anyone looking to apply the most current theory and research on positive psychology and art therapy to their practice, or their life!
For faculty who might want to adopt this book as a text, we added thoughtful discussion questions, a robust glossary, and useful lists of strengths and values. The book also includes a comprehensive outline of more than 80 of our favorite positive art therapy directives! | |
Hardcover, $127.5 .00Paperback, $ 32.21
Kindle Edition, $ 32.21
For more details or to request a copy for review please contact:
Jean Pierre Jacome, Marketing Assistant, JeanPierre.Jacome@taylorandfrancis.com
Want more wellbeing and less stress? We can help!
Visit us at our website
or call 202 352 5225
No comments:
Post a Comment