Happy Sunday everyone!
Today I am sharing one of my recent new favourite things with you guys -- adult colouring books! Be sure to read to the end for a stress-busting giveaway too :)
Adult colouring books have quickly become one of the top trends of the year. Pretty much every bookstore I have walked into recently has a display of adult colouring books front and centre, including the bookstores in airports! Apparently, 7 out of the top 20 best selling books on amazon are currently adult colouring books too.
While the idea of colouring books for adults may initially sound a bit silly, there are many underlying benefits to this hot fad-- namely anti-stress benefits.
Colouring books for adults may be a new thing, but the act of colouring itself has been used for its psychological benefits for the past century. The swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung had his patients draw mandalas as a way to bring them back to self. He touted the relaxing and meditative effects of drawing mandalas, even back then.
I myself have my own personal story with mandalas. About 2 years ago I experienced my first panic attack (or what I assume was such), for the next 6 months I was stricken with pretty severe anxiety, to the point where I would go to bed with a pounding heart and short of breath, and wake up in the same state, it was constant. I was in a head space of consistent irrational fear, and it consumed my life. Instinctively, about 2 weeks after the initial panic attack I began to draw mandalas. I have never considered myself a talented artist, but yet these mandalas were turning out to be beautiful. The most incredible part about these drawings, was the effect they had on my mental health. From the moment my pen hit the paper, and for the next few hours, my mind became clear and at ease. I was completely focused on the rhythmical experience of drawing a mandala. It quickly became my new favourite form of meditation.
Above are a few of my mandala creations
Colouring works because when we colour, we are hyper-focused on the action and not our personal worries. It is a distraction of sorts. It allows us to be transported back to a time of less stress, our childhood. Who doesn't have happy memories of colouring as a child?
When we colour we enter a more creative mind frame which allows a sense of freedom. Colouring is a form of meditation. There is a rhythmic motion when you colour, and the brain loves rhythm. The practice generates wellness, calmness and also stimulates the brain areas related to motor skills, senses and creativity! It is a sure kicker for anxiety and tension.
Adult colouring books are a great addition to your nightly routine. They go incredibly well with a chill Songza playlist and some delicious herbal tea!
Here are a couple beautiful colouring books I have come across!
The Big Book of Mandalas Coloring Book, Volume 2: More Than 200 Mandala Coloring Pages for Peace and Relaxation
$15.88
By Adams Media
Zendoodle Coloring: Inspiring Zendalas: Mystical Circles to Color and Display
$10.62
By Julia Snegireva
Color Me Calm: 100 Coloring Templates for Meditation and Relaxation (A Zen Coloring Book)
$10.46
By Lacy Mucklow
Nature Mandalas Coloring Book (Design Originals)
$7.66
By Thaneeya McArdle
Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book
$9.88
Laurence King Publishing
Creative Coloring Mandalas: Art Activity Pages to Relax and Enjoy!
$9.18
By Valentina Harper
Time for a giveaway!
Well, because I love you guys so much and I wish to spread the mandala colouring trend far and wide, I decided it would be fitting to do a giveaway for you!
This winner of this giveaway will receive this beautiful "Inspiring Zendalas" colouring book!
This giveaway is instagram exclusive. So head on over to my instagram account @awachtin to enter.
Rules:
In order to enter the giveaway you must:
- be following me on instagram
- like the photo of the book (same as above photo)
- tag 3 friends who you think would like to win this giveaway!
The giveaway will run for 2 weeks and close on November 1st at 5pm!
Good luck!
Do you colour to relieve stress? Let me know in the comments below!
XO
Amelia