Why Colouring In Can Make You Happy

Clare Josa, Research & Training Director

The simple act of picking up a set of colouring pens or pencils can make you feel happier.
Sounds too good to be true?

The fact is that when we’re feeling low, it’s often because our logical left brain is hard at work, over-analysing and worrying about things.

Getting even mildly creative, with colour and patterns, helps you switch to your right brain thinking, which is often better at solving problems and will help you let go of thinking too much.

So you’ll feel better.

You don’t even have to get as creative as drawing or painting to achieve this. Colouring in someone else’s pictures can have the same effect – with less stress and embarrassment, if you believe what my art teacher told me about my inability to draw “even a cat”, back in my school days!

Looking for inspiration?

Mandalas
Mandalas

Try colouring in mandalas. They’re geometric patterns that lend themselves beautifully to completely letting go of rational thought and relax, which will help you switch off and feel happier. It’s highly therapeutic! Here are some great “grown up colouring books”:

Examples of mandala colouring books

Have you tried this one out? What do you think? Please do share via the comments box!
Thanks,
Clare

Loved this? Spread the word


About the Author 

Clare Josa

Clare is considered a global authority in the fields of Imposter Syndrome, burnout and sustainable performance for individuals and teams. She has been an international keynote speaker for over 20 years.

Her research is cited in PhDs and taught on MBAs, worldwide, and she is the creator of the life-changing Safe to THRIVE™ and Natural Resilience Method® frameworks, which she teaches at Facilitator and Master Coach levels, as well as in the world's first Imposter Syndrome App - Imposter Syndrome Hacks™.

The author of ten books, a reformed engineer, and the former Head of Market Research for one of the world's most disruptive brands, she blends science-backed practical inspiration with demystified ancient wisdom, to help you create breakthroughs in ways that are fast, fun and forever.

Want more?