Are you struggling to fall asleep at night? You’re not alone. As a sleep-deprived parent, I know how frustrating and exhausting it can be.
But what if I told you that there’s an easy and fun activity you can do before bedtime that will help improve your sleep?
If you think coloring is just for kids, think again!
Coloring before bedtime can offer numerous benefits for adults too. In this post, I’ll share my personal experience with evening coloring sessions, and how they’ve become an essential part of my nightly routine.
Plus, I’ll guide you through the various benefits of colouring and how it can help you unwind, relax, and boost your creativity.
The Calming Effects of Coloring
Coloring has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain.
When we color, our brains enter a meditative state similar to when we practice mindfulness or deep breathing.
This helps us relax and let go of any racing thoughts or stress from the day.
The Science Behind Coloring for Relaxation
You might be wondering, why does coloring have such a calming effect on our minds? Well, according to psychologists, coloring is a form of art therapy that allows our minds to focus on a simple and repetitive task.
This helps to drown out negative thoughts and induce a state of relaxation, similar to meditation. In fact, coloring has been found to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase the production of feel-good neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin. Isn’t that awesome?
Adult Coloring Books vs. Traditional Coloring Books
So, what’s the difference between adult coloring books and the ones we used as kids?
Unlike traditional coloring books with simple images (think cartoons and fairy tales), adult coloring books feature intricate designs and patterns that require a higher level of focus .
The Benefits of Coloring Before Bedtime
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the wonderful benefits that sparked my love for coloring before bedtime. Trust me, after discovering these, you’ll never want to go to bed without your coloring pencils again!
1. Unwind and De-Stress
As I mentioned above, coloring has a calming effect on our minds. It allows us to focus on the present moment, reduce our stress levels, and ultimately unwind. So, if you’re looking for the perfect bedtime activity to help you leave your worries behind, coloring should definitely be on the top of your list!
2. Boost Creativity
Coloring isn’t just about staying within the lines! In fact, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore your creative side through color combinations, shading techniques, and even adding your own embellishments. This can help boost your creativity and inspire you to think outside the box, even when it’s time to go to bed.
3. Improve Sleep Quality
By reducing stress levels and calming the mind, coloring can greatly improve your sleep quality. It allows us to let go of any tension or anxiety that may be keeping us up at night, leading to a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
4. Mindful Wind-Down Activity
Coloring before bed is the perfect way to wind down and practice mindfulness. It allows us to focus on the present moment and let go of any distractions or worries from the day, creating a sense of inner peace and relaxation.
5. Fun and Enjoyable Activity
Let’s face it, we all could use a little more fun and enjoyment in our daily lives. Coloring before bedtime is not only beneficial for our minds, but it’s also a fun and enjoyable activity that we can look forward to each night. So why not add a little color and joy to your evening routine?
🌙 Time to Start Coloring!
Now that you know the amazing benefits of coloring before bedtime, it’s time to give it a try! Whether you prefer traditional coloring books or the more intricate adult versions, the key is to find what works for you and make it a part of your nightly routine.
So grab your favorite coloring supplies and let’s get ready for a more vibrant, joyful, and energized version of ourselves tomorrow!
