One of the first psychologists to apply coloring as a relaxation technique was Carl G. Jung in the last century and did so through the Mandalas: circular designs similar to the rose windows of Gothic churches. The Mandala originates from India but is present in all cultures with its circular shape that represents life, birth, maturity, rebirth: symbolisms that allow us to concentrate on ourselves and ward off negative thoughts.
According to the psychologist Gloria Martínez Ayala, when we color we activate different areas of our two brain hemispheres.
"The activity involves both logic, through which we color the forms, and creativity when we mix and combine colors.
In this way, the areas of the cerebral cortex linked to vision and refined motor skills are put in place [coordination is needed to make small and precise movements]. The resulting relaxation lowers the activity of the amygdala, a basic part of our brain involved in the control of emotions and which is affected by stress ".
In simple terms, the activity of coloring has a de-stressing effect because when we focus on a particular action, we focus on it and not on our concerns. "At the same time, however, it stimulates our imagination and brings us back to our childhood, a period in which we were almost certainly much less stressed than today." This leads us immediately and unconsciously to well-being, says the expert.
"I recommend it as a relaxation technique," adds Antoni Martínez, also a psychologist.
"We can use it to enter a more free and creative state," he assures. But that's not all: coloring can also help us connect with our emotions, since depending on our mood we will choose different colors and intensities.
"I experienced it on myself. I recommend doing it in a quiet environment, perhaps with relaxing music. Let the color and lines flow ".
Coloring is not just for children. Usually, coloring is an activity that we associate with children. When we grow up, we put aside our felt-tip pens and colored pencils for writing tools considered "most respectable", such as pens and highlighters.
In reality, however, it has emerged that coloring can be extremely beneficial even for adults, thanks to its power to reduce stress.
The practice arouses well-being and calm. It also stimulates areas of the brain associated with motor skills, senses, and creativity.
