Get creative by colouring in

Colouring in is a simple way to be creative and it’s not just for kids! Being creative is good for everyone, no matter how old you are. Adult colouring in has also become popular for helping to reduce stress.

Both choosing the colours to use and the action of colouring in a pattern requires us to focus our attention, also known as being in a ‘state of flow’. This happens when we are focused on the task at hand and not thinking about any other concerns. This can help to calm our minds and initiate a “relaxation response” in our nervous system.

Research backs up the benefits of colouring in, too. For example, one study has shown that patients in hospital who did colouring in for half an hour a day, alongside their standard care, experienced reduced levels of anxiety.

Have a go with these free to download nature-based colouring in templates and see if colouring in helps your mental wellbeing.