Mental health coloring pages can be a distraction from unwanted thoughts. Explore a collection of coloring pages to support mental well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.
Why Coloring Helps Mental Health
There was a study (1) conducted where participants were asked to perform the following tasks:
- Trying to suppress some distressing thoughts
- Trying to suppress the thoughts by focusing on a distraction task (focused-distraction)
- Just focusing on a distraction task (concentration)
- Thinking about anything without restrictions
Distraction Techniques Are Effective at Reducing Intrusive Thoughts
It was found that focused distraction and concentration were much more efficient in reducing intrusive thoughts than actively trying to suppress the distressing thoughts. This means that making yourself busy with another task is much more helpful than just trying to avoid overthinking or thinking about something in particular. Your mind deserves a break.
You can also check out our full guide on distraction techniques for anxiety.
Coloring As a Distraction Technique
You can use a coloring book as a distraction technique. Coloring will help you to reduce unwanted thoughts.
However, remember that distraction techniques are short-term anxiety management techniques. Focusing on the long-term management of anxiety is equally important.
Some Mental Health Coloring Pages
There Are Lots of Free and Paid Resources Online
You can find lots of free mental health coloring pages online. You can choose your favorite one and print different copies of different designs.
However, if you want higher quality or more specific resources, here are some that you can try:
- Motivational Coloring Pages
- Mandala Coloring Books for Adults
- Quoted Adult Coloring Book
- Sprint Mandalas Coloring Book
You can also buy coloring pages or books in stationery stores, train stations, or even libraries.
Try Other Alternatives, Such as Coloring Apps
You can even install free apps for coloring books on your phone, such as Mandala Coloring Pages. Apps can be more convenient, however, they are not for everyone as it is not the same physical action as coloring a color book.
Sources
(1) Lin, Y.-J., & Wicker, F. W. (2007). A comparison of the effects of thought suppression, distraction and concentration. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45(12), 2924-2937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2007.08.004
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