More Than Just Coloring: The Science of Art Therapy Benefits
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
Adult coloring books became a trend a few years ago. But at CogZart, we noticed something was missing.
Most books are just patterns—mandalas, flowers, or animals. They relax the hand, but they don't necessarily heal the mind.
That is why we created Affirmative Coloring Books (ACBs). By combining the relaxation of coloring with the psychology of Positive Affirmations, we doubled the impact. Here is why this specific combination offers superior art therapy benefits.
Art Therapy Benefits Begin by Visualising the Words
"I am strong." "I am capable." "I am enough." You have probably tried saying these affirmations in the mirror. It feels awkward.
But what if you spent 30 minutes coloring the word "STRONG"?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): When you color a word, you stare at it for an extended period. You trace its shape. You fill it with beauty. This embeds the message into your subconscious much deeper than simply saying it once.
The "Amygdala" Sedative
The Amygdala is the part of your brain that processes fear and stress. Research shows that the act of coloring reduces activity in the Amygdala.
The "Safe" Container: Anxiety feels chaotic. A coloring page has lines. It has boundaries. Staying "inside the lines" gives the anxious brain a sense of safety and control. It is one of the most accessible art therapy benefits for those suffering from high stress.
A Detox for Perfectionists
Our ACBs are designed to be "No Rules" zones. Use neon markers. Use crayons. Scribble if you want.
Breaking the Cycle: High achievers often struggle with the need to be perfect. Coloring allows you to make something beautiful without the pressure of it being "productive." It is permission to play.
Final Thought: Rewrite Your Inner Monologue
If your inner voice is being mean to you, change the script.
Don't just color a flower. Color a promise to yourself. Pick up an Affirmative Coloring Book and experience the dual power of creativity and positivity.
Citation "Participants who engaged in coloring complex geometric patterns (mandalas) showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety than those who simply sat quietly or colored on a blank page... The structure of the activity induces a meditative state." Source: Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association Study: Can Coloring Mandalas Reduce Anxiety? (Curry & Kasser, 2005) Link: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ688443
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