How Mindful Colouring Can Transform Your Self-Care Routine

What have you done this week to take care of YOU? If you are like most people, then probably very little. We are often so busy caring for others that we have little time to look after our own needs. Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical, emotional and spiritual health. You can transform your self-care routine with the incredibly relaxing, calming nature of mindful colouring.

When you practice regular relaxation activities you are better able to reduce your stress levels, lower your risk of illness and increase your energy levels. You really owe it to yourself to develop a self-care routine as a way to maintain health and well being. Find out what healing habits you can really resonate with and add them to your tool kit.

Finding Time for Self-Care: A Daily Challenge for Your Well-Being

You are important and I would like to challenge you to find time each day for self-care activities. One of my favourite go to self-care activities is mindful colouring. It requires little in the way of resources and is guaranteed to boost your well-being. And best of all it helps you escape from the everyday stressors of life.

The Art of Self-Care: Exploring the Benefits of Mindful Colouring

1. Stress Relief:

Colouring has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is because the body releases seratonin which helps to induce a state of relaxation, very similar to meditation. The intricate designs and the calming patterns also provide a very therapeutic experience, where worries and stressors fade away.

2. Creativity and Self-Expression:

Colouring allows us to tap into our creative side and express ourselves through colour choices and design. It gives us the freedom to experiment, make choices and create something beautiful. This act of self-expression can be empowering and uplifting. It allows you to look within and exemplify your innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires.

3. Personal Growth:

Colouring books that incorporate motivational affirmations, like the ones from my own book collection, can have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. Affirmations can serve as gentle reminders of our own strength, resilience and worth. They can help us cultivate a positive mindset and foster personal growth.

4. Enhances Fine Motor Skills:

Colouring intricate designs with smaller spaces can help refine fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. These activities stimulate the brain and can improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Making time for regular colouring may enhance fine motor skills and protect cognitive health as we get older.

5. Improves Sleep Quality:

Colouring at the end of the day can greatly improve sleep quality by helping you unwind and relax . When done mindfully, it can transport you into a tranquil state of being, free from the stresses and concerns of the day. What a fabulous way to to decompress and let go of any lingering tensions. If you are a late night scroller why not give yourself a break. Studies show that too much screen time may disrupt your sleep wake cycle and upset your body's natural rhythm. Try some relaxing colouring instead.

6. Mindfulness:

Colouring requires focus and concentration, which helps to quiet the mind and engage in the present moment. It’s important that you consciously practice mindfulness throughout the colouring process, allowing your thoughts, judgements and preferences to exist simply as they are. Observing them with awareness and non-judgement… and then bringing your awareness back to your colouring. The shades.. the tones.. the weight of the pens in your hand...

7. Offers a Sense of Accomplishment:

Completing a colouring page can provide you with a great sense of accomplishment. Not only can it boost your self-esteem, it can also foster a positive emotional boost, especially if you feel lacking in creativity or artistic ability. Additionally, colouring can serve as a reminder that progress is often achieved through small, manageable steps.

Are you new to colouring? Here's a few tips to get started:

• Choose the Right Materials: Invest in a good quality colouring book and a set of coloured pencils or markers. Having a variety of colours to choose from can enhance your colouring experience.

• Create a Calm Environment: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can fully immerse yourself in the colouring process. Play some soft music or light a scented candle to create a soothing atmosphere.

• Set Aside Time: Schedule regular colouring sessions in your daily or weekly routine. Treat it as a sacred time for yourself, where you can disconnect from technology and focus on self-care.

• Let Go of Perfection: Remember that colouring is not about creating a masterpiece. It's about enjoying the process and allowing yourself to be in the moment. Embrace imperfections and let your creativity flow.

The gift of self care with Mindful Colouring

When it comes to self-care it would seem that mindful colouring has a lot to offer. At the end of the day (or whenever suits) you can pick up your pens and find some peace and calm between the pages of a book. So why not treat yourself to some colouring books and try it for yourself. There are a huge variety of colouring books out there and you can have fun experimenting with the different genres. That is the beauty of mindful colouring, you get to spend some quality 'me time' where you get to nourish your mind and recharge your body.

Virtual Colouring Club: Inspire yourself and others

Why don’t you head over to the virtual colouring club? New colouring pages are added every week for you to download, or your could share your own colouring pages from your favourite colouring books. The Gallery is the place where members get to share their latest projects with each other and inspire each other along the way. All you have to do is take a photo of your work and upload into the gallery. Members will be able to comment and admire each others work.

Resources:

• Download Mindful Self Care 5 page pdf colouring bundle