Five best wellbeing benefits of colouring for older adults

 

People of all ages love colouring – from the very young to the young at heart. For both gals and guys, there is no denying that colouring is a relaxing and enjoyable activity. And with many wonderful designs that are available, there is sure to be a subject of interest for every emerging artist. 

While colouring is lots of fun, there’s also plenty of evidence that it’s good for you. Here we talk you through some of the benefits of colouring, and the ways in which it can help you to live a calmer and happier life. 

1. Colouring helps you achieve mindfulness 

By helping us focus on the present, colouring reduces worry and stress about the future. It provides a temporary relief from any concerns, and it requires the utmost focus which keeps negative feelings at bay. There’s plenty of research in support of this idea. In one study, anxious people were given one of three random colouring tasks. The first group was asked to add colour to a blank page, the second were given a page with plaid print and the third a page depicting a beautiful mandala. The anxiety levels of those given the plaid and mandala designs were reduced after 20 minutes.

2. Colouring helps you break free from unhelpful pastimes

Colouring is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Colouring before bed can help your mind unwind and is a much better pre-sleep activity than scrolling content on an electronic device. During a before-bed colouring session, really examine the design and the detailed elements. Have a good look at the colours available in your collection and imagine how they will look together on the page. What does the colour combination remind you of? A monarch butterfly, a Neapolitan ice-cream, a summer sunset? For best holistic results, get rid of the distractions, put the phone down, turn off the television and get stuck into the task at hand. 

3. Colouring helps you be creative

Another study found that colouring activities done with the guidance of an art therapist not only reduced anxiety and depression in participants, but it also left them feeling more creative. And people who have colouring and other artistic hobbies have been found to be more innovative, helpful and collaborative than those without! 

4. Colouring helps you disconnect from the chaos

When you are colouring, you will use repetition in your hands, with movements that fill small and large spaces with your chosen colour. These repetitive movements are similar to those you use when you are enjoying swimming, tai chi or yoga. The rhythmical strokes of your hand as you decorate a page with beautiful and vibrant colours help your brain to establish a natural ebb and flow. These movements can give you a reprieve from all of those hectic aspects of modern life.

5. Colouring builds community & encourage social meets

With the increased popularity of colouring, it’s a hobby that can help you make friends. Many local libraries offer colouring programs and groups where you can meet up with other enthusiasts. (These meetings can only take place once COVID lockdowns have ceased). 

Happy colouring!