Discovering the Joy of Coloring: Self-Care Strategy
- Jodi Allen Corbett
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
I have recently discovered coloring as a new and very therapeutic hobby. I know this seems odd as I was literally surrounded by crayons and the opportunity to color and create every day in my Prekindergarten classroom with my littles. I also shouldn't say this is a new discovery. I was interested in coloring before, heck I even had all the tools! But sadly with the day to day focus on completing the "to do" list in order to feel successful, I put the relaxation and self-care dead last. Take time to color?! That seemed ridiculous.....
When I reflect on my younger years, school days, and time at home, I know I enjoyed quiet times creating in a variety of ways. I can recall many times spent creating feeling a sense of pride with the colors and tools that I had chosen. I was very particular about the way things looked. You're shocked, I know. Throughout high school and university days I spent a lot of time doodling and sketching when I listened to information being shared and as a part of my note taking routine.
I realize now it was a form of grounding for me. When someone is speaking, and I need to be processing this information it helps me to focus on that task. When I am feeling overwhelmed and my nervous system is in distress, it provides a quiet distraction for me to focus on the colors and creation rather than what has caused my body/brain anxiety. I am drawn to patterned work which helps my mind to quiet. Engaging in this repetitive activity promotes mindfulness. Coloring provides an opportunity for my nervous system to reset if needed, or a chance to practice being present in "the moment" taking a few seconds to feel peace and calm. Enjoying this sensation and creating fills me with a sense of joy and happiness.
On our recent winter break vacation, coloring was part of my morning coffee routine, as I got ready for a day that was about relaxing, but not as predictable or "productive" as I was used to. It seems odd to many people I'm sure, but those kind of days can cause me stress. The coloring in the morning helped provide a grounded start to my day.
At home I have set up a cozy place, a room with light where I can create. Not only is having a routine with self-care activities important, but having a desirable space in which to spend this time.
I do have to mention that coloring does not necessarily help my compulsive tendencies for perfection. I get uncomfortable when things don't turn out the way I anticipate, and I can get frustrated easily, and then avoid it altogether. Some people might argue this hobby helps one step away from perfectionism, not so in my case, but maybe it is good exposure therapy. My need to complete things in one sitting is also very strong. I am learning to do a bit of coloring, to feel calm and joy, and then set it aside, finished or not! The hard work is in knowing it's okay to stop, and allow myself to feel that discomfort in imperfection or incompletion.
Anyway, I digress....whether you find this helpful or not, it has been a great tool for me. What I am learning is you need to have an assortment of coping strategies in your toolbox, many of these will be activities which help you focus on joy and self-care rather than worry. If you want these tools to work, you need to choose to make time for them.
Make yourself a priority.
Be present in these moments so that you are truly nourishing yourself.
You can find some of the tools that I am currently using below:
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