Feeling stressed out and the opposite of Zen? You might want to take a page out of your kids’ colouring book!
According to Debra Close, positive psychology coach at Flourishing Mothers, colouring is an easy way to boost your wellbeing, and is especially handy for mums.
“It’s a fun and relaxing activity that’s not too demanding, yet gives us a break from everyday stresses of life. You don’t have to leave the house or spend heaps of time or money. Even just doing five minutes of colouring before you go to bed can help you sleep and feel better!” she says.
Here, Debra lists some of the many benefits of colouring:
[mc_block_title custom_title=”1. It’s a Great Alternative to Meditation”]
If you’re struggling to meditate or find emptying your mind too difficult, colouring is a great alternative. It’s an active way of meditating, helping you focus your mind on the present moment, allowing you to take a mental break from your internal chatter.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”2. It Boosts Your Wellbeing”]
Being engrossed and fully absorbed in an activity like colouring can give us a sense of “flow” or being “in the zone”. This is where we get a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment. Being able to be fully engaged in activities of our choosing boosts our wellbeing.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”3. It Makes You Smarter”]
We use both the left and right brain when we colour in, which means it requires logical thinking as well as creativity. Colouring also enhances your focus and concentration, so overall it can boost your creativity and improve your problem solving and organisational skills.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”4. It Can Reduce Anxiety”]
Colouring has been shown to have stress-reducing benefits and can help reduce anxiety. You see, colouring calms the amygdala, the part of the brain related to the fear/stress response. Some people report sleeping better when colouring for even just five minutes before bedtime.
[mc_block_title custom_title=”5. It Can Help You Bond With Your Kids”]
Although the mindfulness benefits of colouring are best reaped when doing it on your own, doing it with your children is a great way of encouraging them to be creative too and to bond with them. As a bonus, colouring in has the same calming and de-stressing effects on children, so it is a perfect way to wind down together in the evening.
Introducing Pilot Pop’lol Pens!
They’re pigment water-based ink formulated to create more intense and vibrant colours. Pop’lol pens glide on smoothly, are fade resistant and are incredibly vivid.
The ink has been designed to dry quickly and is smudge and bleed resistant, so you can focus on spreading joy, not smears.
Colouring book buffs will rejoice over the medium size 0.7mm rollerball tip, which makes intricate colouring-in and creative handwriting effortless.
For more information about the Pop’lol range of pens, head to Pilotpen.com.au
Want to give it a go? Thanks to our friend at Pilot Pen Australia and Harmony of Colour, we’ve got 7 mindfulness colouring-in packs to give away.
Each pack is valued over $70 and contains 16 Pop’lol pens, a new range of gel ink pens from Pilot Pen Australia, and two Harmony of Colour colouring books.
To enter, simply complete the entry form below and you could be in the running! Good luck!
GOOD LUCK!
