National Coloring Day
A fun and delightful pastime, coloring isn’t just for kids anymore! National Coloring Day was created to celebrate the fun and relaxation that coloring can bring.
History of National Coloring Day
The first coloring books were introduced in the 1880s so that students could fill in the colors and benefit from art education, even if they weren’t actually the ones doing the drawing. It started with the McLoughlin Brothers, a company which eventually became part of the Milton Bradley Company, which continues to make games today.
Over the years, coloring books had become something for children until the early 21st century. Some time in the 2010s, adult coloring books began to be published for therapeutic purposes. Two of the most popular adult coloring books to come out over the next few years were in 2015 by Johanna Basford, titled Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest.
Coloring books peaked in popularity and other activities were created, including apps for smartphones or programs for computers that simulate the experience of coloring. But nothing is quite the same as sitting down with an actual coloring book and crayons or colored pencils.
National Coloring Book Day is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty, fun and therapeutic benefits that come from the pastime of coloring.
How to Celebrate National Coloring Day
Try celebrating National Coloring Day with some of these fun ideas that you can do on your own or with friends:
Buy a New Coloring Book and Colors
National Coloring Day is a great time to head to the bookstore or art store and pick out a new coloring book. Choose between crayons, colored pencils – or both! Then, with a new coloring book in hand, head to a cafe, a park or another relaxing spot and have loads of fun with coloring.
Learn the Benefits of Coloring
Coloring is more than just a way to make pretty pictures. It’s an artistic activity that offers not only enjoyment but also mental health benefits. Some of the benefits are:
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Improve Brain Function
As you color in the lines, it allows the brain to relax and keeps it from obsessing over other stressful thoughts. Coloring activates different parts of the hemispheres of the brain, including logic and creativity.
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Creates Meditative State
The act of coloring can be therapeutic for some people, allowing their minds to focus so much on the picture and colors that their mind enters into a meditation state that suspends the inner dialogue.
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Improved Sleep
Spending some time coloring before going to sleep, instead of scrolling on a smartphone, allows the brain to relax. In addition, it keeps the eyes and brain protected from the blue light of electronic devices that can often hijack sleep.
Host a Coloring Party
Coloring doesn’t have to be an activity that is always done alone. Celebrate National Coloring Day by inviting a few friends to get together for a coloring party. Perhaps serve some finger foods and drinks. And remind everyone to bring their own coloring books and favorite colored pencils or crayons.
