Can you remember the last time you colored in a coloring book? Before the pandemic, I had probably only colored a handful of times in adolescence and adulthood. In my mind, it was something I had outgrown. Even after I learned about the stress relief benefits associated with coloring, and though I enjoyed it the few times I tried it, I never really made coloring a habit.
That is, until 2020. Over the years, I had learned to manage my anxiety and had it under control with the help of my family and therapist. But once COVID-19 struck, I realized that maintaining control was going to require me to adopt new habits.
Many people recommend reading a book before bed to wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep, but some nights my anxiety was so high I couldn’t concentrate or process what I was reading. My mind would race 1,000 miles per minute, and I’d find myself reading without really reading. So, I decided to try coloring before bed, and let me tell you — I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is it relaxing, but it’s also something I look forward to. I turn on my essential oil diffuser, put my phone on Do Not Disturb mode, turn on some music, and begin coloring without worrying about the end result. I’ve learned to simply enjoy the process.
