The Effects of Using Coloring Books for Stress Relief in Modern Society
Stress is a common phenomenon experienced by most people in today's society. While everyone has different stress management techniques, recent research has pointed to the effectiveness of coloring book activities in relieving stress. In this article, I will introduce the effects of using coloring books based on authoritative papers and studies by psychiatrists.
A paper published in the "Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association" in 2016 demonstrated that coloring activities using coloring books significantly reduced anxiety in participants. The study first exposed participants to situations that typically induce daily stress, followed by them engaging in coloring book activities. As a result, participants' anxiety levels significantly decreased through coloring activities.
In addition, Dr. Scott Bea, a renowned mental health expert in the U.S., explained this fact by citing various studies supporting the positive impact of coloring on the mind. He stated that coloring "increases focus, induces a state similar to meditation, and temporarily distances one from anxiety, stress, and worries."
Furthermore, psychiatrist Dr. Joel Pearson explained that coloring activities activate the prefrontal cortex of the brain (the part of the brain that manages concentration and attention), resulting in reduced anxiety and stress. This was confirmed in his study conducted in 2017.
In conclusion, coloring books are not merely toys for children, but can serve as an excellent tool for stress relief and improving mental health.
