Sustainable Practices for Environmental Leaders
Hang on a Minute!Series
Color Your Way to Calm
#Can coloring make you calmer? Yes, according to a January 29 article in Inc’s newsletter, which talks about neuroscience and the benefits of adult coloring. The article reviewed the work of psychologists Michael Mantizos and Kyriaki Giannou who explained recently on The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization, that “coloring is basically a form of mindfulness because it pulls your attention and keeps you rooted in the present and distracted from worries about the past and the future.” In the gentle, rhythmic activity of coloring, it serves as a meditative practice that grounds individuals in the present moment. Engaging in this activity, adults are drawn into a state of flow, where their attention is fully absorbed in the moment, guided by the rhythmic movement of coloring within lines. Such immersion brings about a sense of peace and tranquility, effectively lowering stress and anxiety levels.
The psychologists state that there is a certain process to follow to ensure that coloring is mindful: find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus; minimize the number of color crayons/pencils and choose abstract designs so you don’t get pulled into coloring the clouds, trees etc. and observe your thoughts. If your thoughts wander off or “any other thoughts or feelings come up, simply let them go.” Then, bring your focus back to being present and coloring. The psychologists’ research compared adult coloring against formal meditation and found that coloring worked just as well.
#Inc#TheConversation#MichaelMantizos#KyriakiGiannou#mindfulness#presenttime#past#future#adultcoloring#neuroscience#psychologists
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