Since we’re all spending more time at home these days, we have more time to be creative and try new things. Something that I enjoy is coloring in adult coloring books. Personally, I’ve found that when I’m upset and ruminating over something, coloring redirects my thoughts to the present. I focus on whatever I’m coloring, break the rumination cycle, and feel more relaxed.
In fact, my experience has been consistent with the findings from numerous studies. Researchers have found that coloring can reduce anxiety and increase mindfulness. Similar to meditation, coloring allows us to switch off our brains from other thoughts and focus on the present.
FREE PRINTABLES: Your turn
With this in mind, I have created a free printable for you to download and color. If you’re feeling anxious or just want to relax, gather some colored pencils, markers, and start coloring. Click HERE to download it as a PDF or click on the image below to download it as a JPG.
I’ve also created a free bookmark series for you and your children or stepchildren. These bookmarks are designed to serve as a way of expressing gratitude, giving encouragement, and giving compliments to other members of your stepfamily. Click HERE to download the bookmarks.
Get Creative with The Stepmom Project
If you enjoy coloring, you will love my first book, The Stepmom Project: A 30-Day Personalized Journey. When I wrote and illustrated it, I wanted to combine my favorite aspects of reading, writing and coloring, so I meshed readings, journal-style prompts, doodles, and reflection pieces into an easily digestible 30-day format. Too often, we simply don’t take the time to read, reflect, and write, so I designed a book that invites stepmoms to write down their stories and reflect on their new roles in as little as 15 minutes a day. You will also have the opportunity to color along the way, which will help you mediate and refocus on the present.