Coloring for mental health
Coloring is one of many creative projects that Chrystal Williams, C.T.R.S./R., a nationally certified recreation therapist,
uses with patients at Harborview Medical Center’s inpatient psychiatry unit. She says her patients tell her coloring takes
their minds off their fears and the stressors in their lives.
“It can provide a little relief temporarily to let your mind find some ease, and then go back to that situation or
problem with a different perspective,” she says.
Though there still isn’t a lot of research on the health benefits of coloring, several small studies have shown that coloring
can reduce stress as well as anxiety and depression.
Coloring while it may boost your mood and relax you, research suggests it’s not a replacement for therapist-led art
projects if you’re dealing with more serious problems.
Coloring isn’t necessarily better for the mental health than any other creative activity, but it may be easier for people
who aren’t used to being artistic.
“If someone sees a blank sheet of paper, they may say they aren’t creative, but if there’s structure, there’s
more of an opportunity for them to feel satisfied with the outcome,” Williams says.
Ref.: Princing, M. (2021, February 26). Can Coloring Improve Your Mental Health? Right as Rain by UW Medicine.
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/leisure/coloring-for-adults
Coloring for mental health
Coloring is one of many creative projects that Chrystal Williams, C.T.R.S./R., a nationally certified recreation therapist,
uses with patients at Harborview Medical Center’s inpatient psychiatry unit. She says her patients tell her coloring takes
their minds off their fears and the stressors in their lives.
“It can provide a little relief temporarily to let your mind find some ease, and then go back to that situation or
problem with a different perspective,” she says.
Though there still isn’t a lot of research on the health benefits of coloring, several small studies have shown that coloring
can reduce stress as well as anxiety and depression.
Coloring while it may boost your mood and relax you, research suggests it’s not a replacement for therapist-led art
projects if you’re dealing with more serious problems.
Coloring isn’t necessarily better for the mental health than any other creative activity, but it may be easier for people
who aren’t used to being artistic.
“If someone sees a blank sheet of paper, they may say they aren’t creative, but if there’s structure, there’s
more of an opportunity for them to feel satisfied with the outcome,” Williams says.
Ref.: Princing, M. (2021, February 26). Can Coloring Improve Your Mental Health? Right as Rain by UW Medicine.
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/leisure/coloring-for-adults