Did you know that August 2nd is National Coloring Book Day? Some people may scoff at yet another kooky holiday to celebrate, but coloring is more than just a fun way to pass the time, it also has proven health benefits for kids and adults! Some of the benefits include:
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Coloring can relax the fear center of your brain, and induce the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This allows your brain a quiet respite and is a good way to mentally rest after a long day.
Improving Motor Skills and Vision
Coloring requires two hemispheres of the brain to communicate. Logic helps us stay inside the lines, and choosing each color generates the creative thought process.
Improving Sleep
Exposure to emitted light from electronics at night reduces your levels of the sleep hormone melatonin. Coloring is a relaxing, electronics-free pre-bedtime activity that won’t disturb your level of melatonin.
Improving Focus
Coloring requires focus, but not so much that it becomes stressful. This opens up your frontal lobe, which is the part of the brain that controls organizing and problem-solving, allowing you to put everything else aside and focus on the moment.
At MITS, we’re celebrating National Coloring Book day by giving away FREE MITS COLORING BOOKS at the Transfer Station on Monday, August 2nd! So, whether you have a child that enjoys letting out their artistic vision or you’re an adult in need of a stress-reducing activity, come on out and snag a FREE coloring book! We hope to see you there!