Adult coloring craze

I have extremely fond memories of coloring as a child.

Whether it was within the pages of a Mickey Mouse coloring book, on a piece of construction paper, or scribbled upon a scrap of lined notebook paper, I was a child that could be counted upon to be found sprawled out on the floor with my box of 64 Crayola coloring crayons composing a work of art.

When I think about coloring books and crayons, I’m overcome with a heartwarming sense of nostalgia.

Coloring books have a long history. The Little Folks’ Painting Book is credited as the first coloring book. It was published in the 1880s, created by the McLoughlin Brothers. The book was intended to be painted – not colored. Painting in coloring books was the trend until the 1930s.

Teachers and educators have been using coloring books as tools for some time. Often, children find pictures more memorable than words, so coloring books are a great way to teach concepts that might otherwise be hard to grasp verbally. They are also particularly useful when learning a second language since the student may not be able to understand the instructor’s words. Coloring books and sheets have also seen use at the graduate school level. Color-coding anatomy, geometry, math, and computer programming diagrams can be extremely helpful for students.

Coloring can also have a physical and emotional therapeutic use. A nurse once used a coloring book to explain a complicated surgery to a child patient. Occupational therapists use coloring books to help with hand-eye coordination. Some autistic individuals may also find coloring to be both calming and fun.

Recently coloring has metamorphosed from being considered strictly a children’s activity to a worthy and enjoyable adult activity. Within the last couple of years, adult coloring books have popped up and become extremely popular. Not only do they help adults remember and reconnect with their younger years but they are also a great way to relax, unwind, and decompress.

Some say that coloring can be likened to meditation. When coloring, one has to focus on the moment, on the task at hand and forget all the distractions and worries that have accumulated throughout the day or days. A study published in 2005 found that coloring mandalas (round shapes with geometric arrangements within) lowers anxiety levels. This has been proven.

Libraries across the country have hopped on the adult coloring bandwagon, and the Sweetwater County Library in Green River is following suit. Our first adult coloring get together is on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m.

We’re providing the colored pencils, crayons, coloring books, and coloring sheets. All you have to do is show up. Relaxing music, comfy chairs, and good company can also be found at the event.

We all have busy lives and a million things on our to-do lists. This program gives you an excuse to take an hour of your day to de-stress. Join us at the library in September and try your luck at adult coloring. No pressure. Just coloring. Cast aside your anxious thoughts and let your creative juices flow.

Hope to see you there.