Coloring has countless health benefits for children and adults; with the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise, many of us are searching for a way to occupy our minds while reducing stress. So, pull out the crayons, colored pencils and markers because we’ve got some free, pintable’s ready to download.

REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY

Coloring has the ability to relax the amygdala, the brains fear center. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This allows your brain to get some rest after a stressful day.

IMPROVE MOTOR SKILLS AND VISION

Coloring requires the two hemispheres of the brain to communicate. While logic helps us stay inside the lines, choosing beautiful colors stimulates the creative thought process.

IMPROVE SLEEP

We know we get a better night’s sleep when avoiding engaging with electronics at night because exposure to light reduces your levels of the sleep hormone, melatonin. Coloring is a relaxing and electronic-free bedtime ritual that won’t disturb your level of melatonin.

IMPROVE FOCUS

Coloring opens up your frontal lobe, which controls organizing and problem-solving, and allows you to put everything else aside and live in the moment, generating focus.

You don’t have to be an expert artist to color! If you’re looking for an uplifting way to unwind in the midst of uncertainty, coloring will surely do the trick. Pick something that excites you, hit the print button and color it however you like!

This blog post was created as part of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information about our response, including changes to our service delivery and other resources, please visit: https://familyserviceregina.com/covid19-a-message-from-the-ceo/