Art Therapy: You’re Never Too Old to Color

Do you remember what a brand new pack of crayons smells like?
Many adults have embraced the benefits that come from some time spent coloring. It’s one of the reasons why adult coloring books have become a thriving market.

You’re never too old to color. Did you know that coloring offers several health benefits? Take a look at some of the ways that an adult coloring book and a pack of crayons, colored pencils, or markers help your well-being.

Senior Care in Amagansett NY: Never Too Old to Color

Coloring Exercises Your Brain

When you color, you’re exercising your brain. Choosing colors works on creativity. Coloring within the lines works on your motor skills and logic. It forces the different areas of your brain to work together.

At the same time, coloring requires focus, which also exercises the brain. The area of the brain that handles organization and problem-solving gets a workout.

Improves Sleep Patterns

Studies find that the lights from electronics impact your body’s production of melatonin, which makes it harder to sleep. When you spend time coloring before bed, you don’t impact the production of melatonin. You’re able to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily.

If you parents wake in the middle of the night and can’t seem to quiet their mind of random thoughts, instead of turning on a TV or tablet, they could put on dim lighting and color a page or two in an adult coloring book to help relax their mind and become tired again.

Reduces Stress

Stress is a normal part of life but too much has detrimental effects on your mental and physical health. Coloring helps relax the area of the brain that enhances anxieties and stress. Coloring can help relax the brain in the same ways that meditation does.

There’s No Right or Wrong

Many projects and goals require you to do something in a specific way. If you mess up, it can become stressful. There is no right or wrong way to color. People can have purple skin if you want them to. You can fill in an area with back and forth motions or in circles. There are no rules. What matters is that you’re having fun.

Coloring Helps With Hand-Eye Coordination

As your parents get older, they may find hand-eye coordination changes. Eyesight can make it harder to see small print or images. Staying within the lines while coloring may require a little more concentration. Coloring helps exercise that skill.

Are there other areas of daily life that are becoming harder for your parents to manage? If they often forget to take their medications, senior care services are helpful. Have caregivers stop by to help your parents with cleaning, meals, transportation, and more. Call a senior care agency to get started.

If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Senior Care in Amagansett, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.