When I first started noticing the "coloring books for adults" fad, I couldn't help but think: "Really? What other gimmicks will they come up with next?" Well, little did I know then that I was about to become a big fan of the whole idea...not to mention a coloring book addict.

As soon as I decided to set aside my "I'm too old for this and I don't want to look ridiculous" attitude, I remembered a transformational psychology class I had in school which required that I chose my favorite activity from when I was a child, practiced it for a week and then reported on it. Which activity did I choose? Coloring. I still remember the wonderful feelings I had from reconnecting with my childhood that way: the sense of freedom, of childlike innocence, of pure and simple joy...

But that's just one of the many benefits you might notice when you start coloring books on a regular basis. This activity is not only fun; it helps you get in touch with your artistic, creative side, and you might find yourself using that creativity at home and at work. One of the clients to whom I recommended it mentioned that, after trying the coloring books for only one week, she was able to accomplish during that week the work that normally would have taken her about a month (creating new brochures, flyers and business forms for her company).

Among other advantages, coloring books can also help you de-stress, relieve anxiety and even achieve a meditative state. It calms the mind, allowing you to feel more centered and grounded. I have personally noticed its mood balancing effects, as well as an increased sense of joy and contentment. From an integrative care perspective, this activity has the potential to help improve your health in general, as the shapes and colors you choose are likely to be exactly the ones you need for the healing and balancing of your body, mind and spirit.

I didn't think I had time for this; now I make time for this because of its countless benefits. I have also recommended it to friends, family and several of my hypnotherapy/life coaching clients, and with great success.

Coloring therapy is often used with children and young adults by many therapists and health centers, and it's gradually becoming more common as part of the treatment of certain healthcare issues in adults, such as addiction recovery symptoms.

In short, coloring books are no joke!

Gisele Marasca-Vargas; 02/2016

References:
Coloring For Stress
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/13/coloring-for-stress_n_5975832.html

Why Adult Coloring Books Are Good For You
http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/06/health/adult-coloring-books-popularity-mental-health/index.html

Coloring Therapy
http://www.addictionrecoveryguide.org/holistic/coloring_therapy

"There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self."
                                                             --- Aldous Huxley

I'm all for making lists and writing affirmations about the kind of relationship we desire and the kind of person we want to have it with. However, the truth is that the best way to improve our relationships is to start by improving ourselves. It's the good old Law of Attraction at play: That which is like unto itself is drawn; or, simply put, like attracts like. As we get into alignment with our true selves, we attract others who are in a similar process; current relationships improve, or end to create space for more satisfying and fulfilling connections.

     So, if you were to ask me to help you understand why you seem to be stuck in negative relationship patterns, and what you can do about it:

• I would suggest that we start by identifying limiting core beliefs that might be preventing you from having satisfying relationships (such as the belief that you're not deserving of being loved).
• Together we would seek awareness of common fears that might be holding you back (being hurt again, not being good enough, etc), and then work towards overcoming them.
• We would also work on resolving, removing, releasing known and unknown blocks and barriers from your path.
• As part of the process, we would also work towards empowerment and self-management.
• As you reclaim your true self, you'd start having more clarity by reconnecting with your own inner guidance.

 
    This powerful process of reconnecting with your best self can also help improve your relationships with friends, family members, co-workers. Whether you go through it by yourself or with a partner, the benefits are priceless.

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash