I’m a 40-year-old female.
Why is looking after your mental wellbeing important to you?
Working in public health during the pandemic was challenging and for the first time in my life I experienced panic attacks. I had been struggling to relax for months. I was operating in an adrenaline-fuelled state fighting outbreaks and giving advice to help reduce the impact of the invisible enemy we were up against.
One day I just couldn’t get up – my body was heavy, my mind was exhausted and I realised I had to do something to help me relax and recuperate.
I did access support from my doctor and some psychological support, but the thing that helped me most, and helped me keep going, was adult colouring in!
What do you do to protect and improve your mental wellbeing?
I find colouring in a really helpful way to help clear and calm my mind. I love how I can just pick it up, get going and experiment with different colours; most of the time I’m pleased with the final results, but it’s not really about the outcome but the process and getting into a state of flow to help my mind rest.
I often intend to just do a bit for a few minutes and find myself still doing it an hour later!
I admit I had previously been sceptical about adult colouring; I like to think I’m quite creative and enjoy craft projects and thought colouring in was a bit too basic, but now I’m hooked!
I have often found doing arts and crafts is something that boosts my wellbeing and, when I have time to plan a project, I might do some sewing or collage.
I recently tried a bit of painting – something I’ve been a hesitant to do as I don’t think I’m much good, but colouring in gave me the confidence to just go for it, and I’ve really enjoyed the bit I’ve done so far, even if the paintings won’t be hung on the wall just yet!
But for those times when I need something easy to engage with and a way to help quiet a busy mind, colouring in is now my go-to relaxation activity.
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