There’s no doubt about it – moving is stressful. Sure, it’s exciting to imagine the possibilities in all those homes you’ve been looking at, or if you’re a seller, looking forward to what comes next. But parts of the process just aren’t fun; having to go through all your belongings to decide what stays and what goes and taking time off work to look at homes for sale are at the top of the list. If you’re selling, you may be having to deal with various contractors to get your house in tip-top shape. Once you have a contract on a house, then the details of moving really kick in; putting in your forwarding address, packing, cleaning, dealing with leaving a home you may have loved for a long time….the list goes on.
It may seem silly to suggest that, at such a busy time, you need to take care of yourself and de-stress a bit by taking the time to enjoy an adult coloring book! But, makeing the effort to do it can be worthwhile. You may find it will not only help you to feel better, but it may help avoid stressful interactions with your family, as well.
Adult coloring is very popular right now, although it has been around for at least the past 6 years. Unlike meditation or progressive relaxation, it’s something you can do in the midst of chaos. You could even do it when you’re watching TV or talking on the phone (if that’s the only way you can squeeze it in). While it’s not as therapeutic as art therapy since no therapist is involved, it has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase focus and mindfulness. Some people take baths or go for a walk to help them feel restored. But coloring is something everyone can benefit from.
As a child, you probably remember using crayons with your coloring book. Adults tend to prefer colored pencils since we’re a bit more concerned with accuracy now than we used to be. As for adult coloring books, there are tons available based on every interest. You’ve probably heard that journaling is also good for the soul, and you can find coloring books that include pages for journaling! In fact, Amazon sells one for under $8 that incorporates both.
Regardless of how you do it, the time to relax is when you’re experiencing stress, not afterwards.
If you think Adult coloring might be for you, whether now or after you get settled in your new home, the Tyler Library offers an opportunity to do it with other enthusiasts in the lobby. If you’re new to Tyler, it could also be a chance to meet some new friends!
