The adult coloring book trend is not only something that is entertaining, it is also scientifically relaxing. Recent studies have shown that coloring can be used as a relaxation technique, causing many psychologists to recommend the activity to patients. “The action involves both logic, by which we color forms, and creativity, when mixing and matching colors. The relaxation that it provides lowers the activity of the amygdala, a basic part of our brain involved in controlling emotion that is affected by stress,” states psychologist Gloria Martnez Ayala.
This was the inspiration behind illustrator Wendy Piersall's upcoming Coloring Flower Mandalas, a coloring book filled with thirty garden-inspired images. The mandala is a sacred symbol in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is made up of mesmerizing squares and circles that are meant to represent the universe. Coloring in these hypnotic patterns offers adults a meditative experience where they can connect with their inner child and take time for themselves. Famed psychologist Carl Jng was actually one of the first psychologists to recommend coloring mandalas as a calming, stress-free pastime.
Coloring Flower Mandalas is available for pre-order here and will be available for purchase on May 12, 2015.
Wendy Piersall's Website
via [Huffington Post, Ulysses Press]
