The Research
THE BENEFITS OF COLORING
"Doctors used to prescribe knitting to women one hundred years ago who were dealing with anxiety. They didn't know why, but it calmed their nerves." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOJL3gjc8ak
-Dr. Kelly Lambert
“Adult coloring requires modest attention focused outside of self-awareness. It’s a simple activity that takes us outside ourselves in the same way, cutting the lawn, knitting or taking a Sunday drive can all be relaxing.”
-Scott M. Bea, PsyD
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-reasons-adult-coloring-can-actually-relax-brain/
"Creative thinking is a vital life skill which enables us to imagine, innovate and respond to unexpected or changing situations. Over the last few months, we have all had to get creative in the way we work, teach and learn, in light of the global pandemic. Now more than ever, we can see the importance of encouraging our students’ creative thinking."
-Laura Sigsworth
"Coloring has the ability to relax the fear center of your brain, the amygdala. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest after a long day at work."
-Beaumont Health
“Coloring taps into your creativity and organizational abilities along with your focus, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, she goes on to explain. That means when you color, the right and left hemispheres of your brain work together to complete the task.
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/benefits-of-adult-coloring#increased-mindfulness​
“Coloring books work like other mindfulness techniques such as yoga and meditation. Such approaches work almost like a volume knob to turn down the sympathetic nervous system, the stress response. Coloring can help slow down heart rate and respiration, loosen muscles and stimulate the brain.”
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/benefits-of-adult-coloring#increased-mindfulness
-Craig Sawchuk, a clinical psychologist at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester NY​
MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS
“A 2023 Gallup survey found that almost half (47%) of GenZers ages 12 to 26 often or always feel anxious, and more than one in five (22%) often or always feel depressed."
https://www.gallup.com/analytics/506663/american-youth-research.aspx
“Research shows that practicing mindfulness has positive impacts on students' mental health and well-being, including the following:
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Lower ratings of anxiety (by teachers) among elementary-aged girls and fewer self-reported symptoms of anxiety among high school students."
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Lower levels of self-reported depressive symptoms and negative coping behaviors (e.g., disengagement, denial, substance abuse, self-blame) among middle school students."
https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health-action-guide/media/pdfs/DASH_MH_Action_Guide_508.pdf pg. 19
THE BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY
“Social isolation and loneliness are linked to poor mental well-being, and attending live events can be a great way to combat these feelings.”
“People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative, and as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them.”
“Human connection also decreases health risks and improves physical well-being and longevity. Strong social connections strengthen the immune system and increase your chances of a longer life by 50%.