How to Make Coloring Part of Your Self-Care Routine

In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As we juggle work, family, and countless responsibilities, it's easy to forget to slow down and care for our mental and emotional well-being. While there are many popular self-care practices like meditation, journaling, and exercise, one surprisingly effective and accessible method is coloring. Yes—coloring isn't just for kids anymore.

This post explores how to make coloring a meaningful part of your self-care routine, offering tips, benefits, and suggestions to help you unwind creatively.

Why Coloring Works as Self-Care

Coloring might seem simple, but it taps into powerful psychological processes that support relaxation and stress relief. Here’s why coloring works:

1. It Encourages Mindfulness

When you color, your attention shifts away from racing thoughts and onto the present moment. Filling in shapes with color requires focus and attention, much like meditation. This state of mindfulness can reduce anxiety and increase a sense of calm.

2. It Sparks Creativity

Coloring stimulates the right side of your brain, which is responsible for creativity and imagination. Engaging this part of your mind can be a great way to break from routine thinking and experience a different kind of mental stimulation.

3. It Provides a Screen-Free Break

In a digital age, many self-care activities still involve screens—watching movies, scrolling social media, or playing games. Coloring gives your eyes and brain a break from screens and helps you reconnect with a tactile, hands-on experience.

How to Start a Coloring Self-Care Practice

Incorporating coloring into your routine doesn’t require a big investment of time or money. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose the Right Tools

There are many adult coloring books available in physical and digital formats. Choose themes that resonate with you—floral patterns, mandalas, animals, inspirational quotes, or nature scenes.

For tools, start with:

Colored pencils or markers
Gel pens or crayons
Digital coloring apps, if you prefer coloring on a tablet

2. Set the Mood

To turn coloring into a relaxing ritual, set the mood:

Play calming music or ambient sounds
Light a candle or use essential oils
Find a quiet and cozy corner. This helps signal to your mind that it’s time to slow down and enjoy the moment.

3. Make It Routine

Like any self-care habit, consistency matters. Decide when coloring fits best in your day:

Morning: to start the day peacefully
Afternoon: to take a midday break
Evening: to wind down before bed

Even 10–15 minutes a few times a week can have noticeable benefits.

4. Let Go of Perfection

One of the biggest obstacles to enjoying coloring is the pressure to make it "look good." Remember—this is for you. It’s not about the final result, it’s about the process. Embrace imperfection, experiment with colors, and enjoy the freedom.

Coloring Ideas for Every Mood

The beauty of coloring is its flexibility. You can tailor your sessions to match your mood or emotional needs.

Feeling Anxious?

Try intricate mandalas or symmetrical patterns. The repetitive motion and balance can be soothing and grounding.

Feeling Sad or Low?

Choose uplifting pages with positive quotes or bright imagery. Use vibrant, cheerful colors like yellow, orange, and pink.

Feeling Angry or Stressed?

Go bold. Select larger, expressive designs where you can use strong strokes and intense colors like red and black to release tension.

Seeking Inspiration?

Look for designs that connect with your goals or dreams, like nature scenes, fantasy worlds, or designs with affirmations.

Benefits Beyond the Page

Making coloring a part of your self-care routine can positively impact other areas of life:

Improved focus and productivity: Regular mindfulness practices like coloring can improve your attention span and ability to concentrate.
Better emotional regulation: By expressing feelings through color, you can process emotions without words.
Enhanced creativity: This practice can boost creativity, making you more open to problem-solving and innovative thinking.

Final Thoughts

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. Coloring is a low-barrier, deeply rewarding activity that offers a meditative escape from the chaos of daily life. Whether you’re new to the world of self-care or looking to enrich your current routine, coloring can be a powerful tool to help you relax, reflect, and recharge.

So grab your favorite colors, pick a page that speaks to you, and let your creativity flow—one stroke at a time.

Want to get started with some calming coloring pages? Check out our Ogluzo Printable Coloring Books designed for both kids and adults looking to de-stress creatively.