The Surprising Benefits of Coloring

Coloring has been a staple children’s activity for decades. But did you know there are actually several key benefits to this fun activity? Let’s take a closer look.

Stress Reduction

Coloring can be a great way to reduce stress. Focusing on a task that isn’t too complicated and has repetitive elements can become like a meditation practice. This is in part why coloring books for adults became so popular in recent years. 

Self-Expression

Like any artwork, coloring allows for self-expression and an opportunity to communicate your thoughts and emotions without words. For children who don’t feel comfortable sitting down in front of a blank piece of paper because they “don’t know what to draw,” coloring can be a great compromise. 

Color Recognition

For young children, coloring can be a fun way to practice learning the colors of the rainbow. This can be especially fun if you’re doing a paint-by-number activity, where you have to follow the instructions about which color to use. 

Improved Motor Skills

Finally, coloring can help enhance motor skills. That’s not to say that you always have to color within the lines! But if you choose this as a challenge, it can be a great way to improve motor skills in the hands.