If you're feeling stressed out in life, no matter what's causing it or how intense it is, this challenge may help you out.
Stress isn't just something that messes with your head in the moment, it can actually do some serious long-term damage to your mind.
Chronic stress not only impairs our brain functions whilst we are stressed, it does lasting damage to our brain, as it kills braincells in our hippocampus. this means that, even if we’re not stressed anymore, the damage will still be there.
But hey, here's the good news: there's plenty we can do about it, and that's what the 'Color-Me-Challenge' is all about.
The Science behind the Challenge:
While the research on coloring and stress relief is still evolving, there are studies that shed light on its effectiveness:
Anxiety Reduction A study published in the journal Art Therapy compared anxiety levels in participants who engaged in coloring activities versus those who didn't. The results showed that individuals who colored experienced significant reductions in anxiety levels compared to the control group.
Mood Enhancement Research published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association focused on the effects of coloring intricate designs often used in mindfulness practices. The study found that coloring led to decreased anxiety levels and increased positive mood in participants.
Cortisol Reduction While not specifically focused on coloring, research in the field of art therapy has indicated that engaging in artistic activities can lead to decreases in cortisol levels. Since coloring is a form of artistic expression, it's plausible that it may have similar stress-reducing effects.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Although there may not be direct studies linking coloring to mindfulness-based stress reduction, the principles of mindfulness – focusing on the present moment, non-judgmentally engaging in an activity – are inherent in coloring practices. Many individuals report feeling more relaxed and centered after a coloring session, echoing the effects of mindfulness practices.
While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of coloring on stress relief, these studies provide promising insights into its potential benefits. Plus, the countless personal anecdotes of people finding solace and relaxation in coloring reinforce its value as a simple yet effective stress management tool.
Manage stress, before it manages you
🧘♂️ Helps you stay present and relax.
🌿 Lowers cortisol levels, easing anxiety.
🎨 Shifts focus away from stressors.
🏆 Completing pages boosts mood.
🖌️ Helps process emotions and trauma.
Who this course is for:
- Anybody interested in short, daily activities for stress-relief.
- Anybody with a keen interest in human behavior.