Have you ever considered coloring books as something more than just a form of fun and relaxation? You may be surprised, but psychologists have been dealing with the influence of coloring books on the operation of the human mind for many years. And the man who started it all was probably Carl Jung…
- A friend of Sigmund Freud Yes, yes it was “this” Carl Gustav Jung – a notable Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. A younger colleague of Sigmund Freud, whose work has been influential primarily in psychiatry but later in anthropology, archaeology, literature, and even philosophy. Exactly this man also dealt with the influence of coloring books on the mental condition of his numerous patients. And in the course of his research, he saw their numerous advantages. Modern psychologists continue and develop their work. And the influence of coloring on the human mind is already quite well-researched and described in the scientific literature. So what are the top coloring benefits we can derive from coloring?
- Key benefits Well, do you remember when you were a kid? Wasn’t that time happier? Freer from stress and constant rush? The vast majority of us have positive memories associated with childhood (although of course there are exceptions). Coloring allows us to mentally go back in time. Through positive associations, we subconsciously activate memories and feelings that accompanied us in our childhood. And good thoughts and memories have a direct beneficial effect on the condition of our psyche. They also allow us to look at life from a different and usually more optimistic perspective. But that’s just the beginning. Probably even more surprising is the fact that coloring can help to solve many emotional disorders like for example excessive anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, depressive states plus many eating disorders. What is more, it can also help control anger and excessive emotional fluctuations throughout the day. Some psychologists also use coloring books to treat patients who suffer from substance abuse issues. Still not enough benefits? OK so let me also mention that classic coloring books have also a positive effect on our intellectual effectiveness. Namely, it enhances creativity, increases the level of mind and hand precision, the ability to keep attention to details for a longer period of time, logical thinking, problem solving, and even some basic organizational skills. All these functions are activated and intensively enhanced when we spend our time with crayons and coloring sheets. You can also propose educational coloring pages to your child.
- Try it yourself So whenever you have a bad day or feeling of resignation, then just remember that there is one very cheap but extremely effective cure for such problems. Help yourself and reduce feelings of anxiety and unpleasantness. What you need is just a few coloring pages and a couple of sharp crayons. And that’s it. If you don’t believe then read the memoirs of Carl Jung:)
