In our high-tech, high-speed way of life, it's all too easy to get caught up in a never-ending whirlwind of action without time to relax and be calm. However, making time to rest is key to our mental, emotional, and physical health. One of the simple, practical ways to get a dose of calm every day is to cultivate a coloring routine. Coloring is more than a crafty hobby—it's a mindfulness exercise that can calm, focus, and relax you during the day. By having a regular time of day to color, you can turn this fun hobby into a self-care ritual that's full of benefits. Let's learn to build a relaxing coloring habit when coloring during different times of day, and a sample schedule to get you started.
Relaxing coloring routine
Why a Coloring Routine?
A coloring regimen is more of a habit—and it's a deliberate action of making time to take care of you and your health. Here's why it's such a great tool:
- Consistency: By coloring at a set time each day, you establish a sense of order and consistency that can be a comfort in a busy schedule.
- Mindfulness: The focus that is required in coloring keeps you in the here and now.
- Stress Relief: The repetition of movement and artistic release of coloring can calm cortisol levels and lead to a calmer you.
- Joy and Creativity: Coloring is a fun and pleasing process that brings joy and stimulates self-expression.
Whatever time of day you color in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings, the point is to make it a regularity in your day. Let's get in to learn more about the advantages of coloring during different parts of the day and to establish a regimen that is just right for you.
Benefits of Coloring at Different Times of the Day
Morning: Start Your Day with Calm and Focus
Coloring in the morning can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Here’s why:
- Reduces Morning Stress: If you often feel rushed or anxious in the morning, coloring can help you start your day with a sense of calm.
- Boosts Focus: Coloring engages your brain and helps you concentrate, making it easier to tackle the day’s tasks.
- Encourages Mindfulness: Beginning your day with a mindful activity like coloring can help you stay present and centered.
Tip: Pair your morning coloring session with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing and energizing start to your day.
Afternoon: Recharge and Refocus
The afternoon is often when energy levels dip and stress can creep in. Coloring during this time can help you recharge and refocus. Here’s how:
- Combat Afternoon Slumps: Coloring can provide a mental break and help you feel refreshed.
- Reduce Stress: Taking a few minutes to color can lower stress levels and improve your mood.
- Boost Creativity: Coloring can spark creativity and inspire new ideas, making it a great way to break up your workday.
Tip: Use your lunch break or a mid-afternoon pause to color for 10–15 minutes. It’s a quick and effective way to reset your mind.
Evening: Wind Down and Unwind
Coloring in the evening helps you wind down from the day’s hecticness to a more relaxed mood. Here’s why it’s a great move:
- Promotes Relaxation: Coloring can calm your mind and get your body in a sleepy mood.
- Reduces Screen Time: Trading in screen time for color-in time can help you disengage devices and give you a rest for your eyes.
- Encourages Reflection: The evening can be used to relax and sit back to reflect on your day and process your emotions and thoughts.
Tip: Create a relaxing evening routine using a warm drink, soothing music, or low lights in your color
How to Create Your Coloring Routine
1. Choose a Time That Works for You
Think about your schedule and set a time of day when you can always dedicate 10–30 minutes to color. Whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening, set a time that is convenient for you.
2. Set Up a Comfortable Space
Create a cozy spot to color that is relaxing and inviting. Organize your colored material, such as colored pencils, markers, or crayons, in a convenient place.
3. Eliminate Distractions
Silence phone alarms, set it aside, and set a quiet spot to color without distraction.
4. Start Small
As a new colorist, start with a mere 10 minutes a day and work up to more time when you feel more comfortable.
5. Make It Enjoyable
Use coloring pages that you enjoy working on and experiment with color combinations. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the process, not to create a masterpiece.
Example Coloring Routine
Here’s an example of how you can incorporate coloring into your day:
Morning Routine (10–15 minutes)
- Wake up at 7:00 AM and drink a cup of coffee or tea.
- Sit in your color space at 7:15 AM and choose a design that you adore.
- Color at 7:25 AM for 10–15 minutes in the present.
- Begin your day at 7:40 AM calm, centered, and ready to meet challenges.
Afternoon Routine (10–15 minutes)
- Have a work or chore break at 2:00 PM.
- Pick up color tools at 2:05 PM and choose a page that you adore.
- Color at 2:15 PM for 10–15 minutes to refresh and recharge.
- Return to work refreshed and inspired at 2:30 PM.
Evening Routine (20–30 minutes)
- Turn off screens at 8:00 PM and set a relaxing mood using dim lights and calm music.
- Sit in a cozy position at 8:10 PM using color tools and choose a relaxing design.
- Color at 8:30 PM for 20–30 minutes, relaxing your mind.
- Wind down at 9:00 PM to get a restful night’s rest.
Conclusion
Creating a color schedule each day is a quick yet productive means of introducing calm to your day. Color in the morning, during a mid-afternoon slump, or in the evening—whenever is most convenient for you—this mindfulness process can calm you, sharpen your concentration, and transport you to a place of joyfulness and creativity. By sitting down to color at a particular time of day, you’re not just making time for yourself, you’re also creating a self-affirming ritual that brings health to body, soul, and mind. So sit down with your color tools of choice, designate a time that is convenient to you, and begin on your path to a more calm day.
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