Coloring Provides Relaxation and Mindfulness, Says Maine Resident

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Vicki Sullivan, a retired English instructor from Portland, Maine, discusses how coloring has become a relaxing hobby for her. She first started coloring as a child, then picked it up again in college and after breaking her wrist in 2014. Sullivan finds coloring to be soothing and therapeutic, allowing her to practice mindfulness by focusing solely on the colors and patterns. She enjoys coloring in adult coloring books, sometimes even sending her creations to friends in Christmas cards.

Why it matters

Coloring has become a popular activity for adults as a way to relieve stress and promote mindfulness. Sullivan's story highlights how this simple activity can be beneficial for both physical and mental health, providing a creative outlet and a chance to disconnect from everyday worries.

The details

Sullivan first started coloring with Crayola crayons in coloring books as a child. She picked up the hobby again in college to relieve stress during finals week. After breaking her wrist in 2014, her occupational therapist suggested coloring to improve dexterity, and Sullivan found it also helped with her peace of mind. She now has a collection of adult coloring books and a set of 50 colored pencils that she uses when the mood strikes. Sullivan enjoys coloring simple designs, finding complicated mandalas too stressful. She has even brought her coloring supplies to the car dealership while waiting for her vehicle to be serviced.

• Sullivan first started coloring as a child.
• She took up coloring again in college at the University of Maine at Orono.
• Sullivan began coloring regularly again after breaking her wrist in 2014.

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