Pete Alexander2x TEDx Speaker and best-selling author helping transform burned out workers into engaged colleagues.

Stress Relief Tool - Coloring or Doodling

1 May 2019 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:52

In this short monologue, the speaker encourages viewers to use coloring or freehand doodling as an inexpensive, quick, and effective way to reduce stress and improve mindfulness. The talk references research showing that adult coloring can temporarily detach users from worries, increase mindfulness, and lower anxiety. Practical advice is offered, including using a simple sketchpad and pencil for doodling, selecting adult coloring books (with themes ranging from animals to Disney characters, and even sassy or profane designs for humor), and enhancing the session with favorite music and a glass of wine. The overall message is that carving out just a few minutes each day for this quiet activity can positively shift mindset and stress levels.

Chapters

If you think back to your school days, do you remember drawing or doodling while your teacher droned on about a boring subject? That was your way of passing the time while also somewhat listening to the information being shared. Coloring offers an escape to all the stress and responsibilities of adult life without having to spend a lot of money or time on the activity. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare each day, carving out time for this quiet activity can make a big difference in your mindset and stress levels. Studies have proven that the benefits of adult coloring books are real. First of all, coloring helps you detach from your worries temporarily because you're focused on the task at hand. The studies also show an increase in mindfulness and a decrease in anxiety, which is the whole point of the exercise. If you like freehand doodling or drawing, a simple sketchpad and a pencil will work. If you prefer just to color, there are a lot of adult coloring books available online or in bookstores. You can color animals, Disney characters, or other shapes. And if bad words don't bother you, consider books that have sassy or offensive comments to make you laugh or smile as you relax into your coloring activity. One like this that I've used in the past. If it helps your mood, put on your favorite music and pour yourself a glass of wine to enjoy as you doodle away your stress.