Adult Colouring

FFred

So I’ve got some FB friends who colour in their adult colouring books and then display their efforts via FB and the likes....

What think you of same?

Sensible responses only obv.

.....

Derp.

PTH2009

Think it's used as therapy to calm some people with mental health issues

Zaph

It's not for me, but I know someone who suffers from depression and she finds that colouring calms her mind and stops her having negative thoughts. Adult colouring books tend to be quite intricate, and the concentration required means that her mind is focused on a positive activity. So for that reason I think it's great, even if it would bore me rigid if I were to give it a go myself.

Tell me how

FFred wrote: »

So I’ve got some FB friends who colour in their adult colouring books and then display their efforts via FB and the likes....

What think you of same?

Sensible responses only obv.

.....

Derp.

Surprisingly therapeutic.
Lot better than playing candy crush or the like.

FFred

PTH2009 wrote: »

Think it's used as therapy to calm some people with mental health issues

Really, in all my years under the mental health system, I’ve never been prescribed colouring in?

Tell me how

FFred wrote: »

Really, in all my years under the mental health system, I’ve never been prescribed colouring in?

Really? It never came up at all as a way to practice mindfulness while being active in a simple task?

One eyed Jack

The idea kinda reminds me of those kitchen gadget videos on YouTube where they try and mitigate the obvious responses that the gadgets are shìte, by claiming that they may be helpful for people with disabilities. That doesn’t mean the gadgets are any less shìte.

Same thing with this idea of colouring books for adults. Wtf are they actually thinking?

Claims that they’re helpful for adults with mental health issues still doesn’t make the idea any less just plain weird. It’s like those fidget spinners which were claimed were invented for children with autism - they’re still shìte!

Tell me how

One eyed Jack wrote: »

The idea kinda reminds me of those kitchen gadget videos on YouTube where they try and mitigate the obvious responses that the gadgets are shìte, by claiming that they may be helpful for people with disabilities. That doesn’t mean the gadgets are any less shìte.

Same thing with this idea of colouring books for adults. Wtf are they actually thinking?

Claims that they’re helpful for adults with mental health issues still doesn’t make the idea any less just plain weird. It’s like those fidget spinners which were claimed were invented for children with autism - they’re still shìte!

Well, you've obviously conducted research on the subject.

FFred

Tell me how wrote: »

Really? It never came up at all as a way to practice mindfulness while being active in a simple task?

General Mindfulness tasks. yes.
Adult colouring. No.
Needs new therapist. Maybe.

One eyed Jack

Tell me how wrote: »

Well, you've obviously conducted research on the subject.

I have actually, and that’s precisely how I came to the conclusions I have above about these various fads.

Tell me how

One eyed Jack wrote: »

I have actually, and that’s precisely how I came to the conclusions I have above about these various fads.

Care to give a link to your research?
I've a Scopus account so can access academic publications.

Rubberchikken

i used to colour in when the kids would be doing it. never realised it was good for mental health.
its very relaxing actually.
only pity is now i cant find the time:(

Suckit

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/26/adult-colouring-in-books-anxiety-stress-mindfulness
https://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/06/health/adult-coloring-books-popularity-mental-health/index.html
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-reasons-adult-coloring-can-actually-relax-brain/

Whatever about doing it (I think I would find it very relaxing), I don't think I would be posting pictures of my 'colouring' for everybody to see.
That would make me feel a little infantile.

JupiterKid

I think they're a great idea to encourage mindfulness for people with severe anxiety issues. They are very intricate and do require intense concentration.

When I first looked at the thread title, I thought for a few seconds it was porn silouettes to be coloured in...:O

ardinn

Apparently any activity with your hands in front of you performing a task is practicing mindfulness. I make sea fishing rigs before I go on a trip - a few hours fly by and you havnt a notion whats going on around you. Knitting is supposed to be excellent for you.

I think we all do things like this in some way without realizing it.

One eyed Jack

Tell me how wrote: »

Care to give a link to your research?
I've a Scopus account so can access academic publications.

Good for you, but I don’t have any links to the research I’ve done. I suppose for now because I’m not particularly invested in promoting the idea as a legitimate therapy for helping people to cope with various conditions for which it is claimed the activity is beneficial, you’ll have to make-do with the opinions expressed in this Guardian article -

Coloring books for adults: we asked therapists for their opinions

The gist of the criticism? If you want to color, knock yourself out, but don’t call it meditation or therapy.


I see it as infantilism. Objectively, that’s all it is, and any claimed benefits remind me of the sort of person who claims that drinking their own piss somehow offers benefits that are unattainable by any other means. Knock yourself out if you find it helps, but I’m not convinced of any objective benefit that couldn’t be derived from an infinite number of other activities which claim to offer similar benefits couched in pseudoscience.

ILoveYourVibes

I tend to think of it as being for people who can't draw.

Or people who like to stay in the lines and hate making stuff up.

God I'm a judgemental bitch.

Arghus

I'd probably be better off doing that than mindlessly scrolling the Internet on my phone to be honest.

Tell me how

One eyed Jack wrote: »

Good for you, but I don’t have any links to the research I’ve done. I suppose for now because I’m not particularly invested in promoting the idea as a legitimate therapy for helping people to cope with various conditions for which it is claimed the activity is beneficial, you’ll have to make-do with the opinions expressed in this Guardian article -

Coloring books for adults: we asked therapists for their opinions

The gist of the criticism? If you want to color, knock yourself out, but don’t call it meditation or therapy.


I see it as infantilism. Objectively, that’s all it is, and any claimed benefits remind me of the sort of person who claims that drinking their own piss somehow offers benefits that are unattainable by any other means. Knock yourself out if you find it helps, but I’m not convinced of any objective benefit that couldn’t be derived from an infinite number of other activities which claim to offer similar benefits couched in pseudoscience.

Why don't you have links to you research?

Just throw up an abstract here to give us the gist.

Psychology today would disagree with you.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-mentality/201803/are-adult-coloring-books-actually-helpful

Also, correct me for being dubious, but comparing something to 'drinking your own piss' doesn't sound like academic terminology.

freshpopcorn

Adults have being doing colouring/painting by numbers/Jigsaws for along time now. The only difference is now is some share it online.

One eyed Jack

Tell me how wrote: »

Why don't you have links to you research?

Just throw up an abstract here to give us the gist.

Why don’t I have links to my research? Because frankly I didn’t care enough to bother saving them. If you were paying me to carry out research on your behalf, I might actually be sufficiently invested in the subject to offer your moneys worth. But since you aren’t paying me, you’ll have to make-do with what you’re given.

Tell me how

One eyed Jack wrote: »

Why don’t I have links to my research? Because frankly I didn’t care enough to bother saving them. If you were paying me to carry out research on your behalf, I might actually be sufficiently invested in the subject to offer your moneys worth. But since you aren’t paying me, you’ll have to make-do with what you’re given.

I'll give you 37 cent. I'd say that'll cover any research you've already completed.

Tell me how

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

I tend to think of it as being for people who can't draw.

Or people who like to stay in the lines and hate making stuff up.

God I'm a judgemental bitch.

You used to work as a telephone psychic. I'd go easy on being judgemental.

endacl

Had to colour the kitchen last year. Not calming at all. Pain in the hoop.

Have to colour the hall, stairs and landing this year...

One eyed Jack

Tell me how wrote: »

I'll give you 37 cent. I'd say that'll cover any research you've already completed.

That’s not even enough to buy a pack of crayons ffs

ILoveYourVibes

Tell me how wrote: »

You used to work as a telephone psychic. I'd go easy on being judgemental.

You would think that wouldn't you ...but nope.

Paddy Cow

I use a colouring app on the phone. It's great for killing time and super satisfying when you finish.

IAMAMORON

Art is important. Keep colouring everything, don't ever stop.

ILoveYourVibes

I draw and take sketch pads with me. I lose track of time and draw incredibly detailed portraits of people in front of me. I put these people in strange situations in these drawings that link into whatever topic i am currently obsessed with.

Then I come to and its like 2 am in the morning and i am sitting in the park realizing i have been locked in and i will now have to climb over the wall to escape before the zombies get here.


But I think i could sit and sketch zombies so i wait for them to arrive.

This is how I started my zombie life drawing series.



Do you know what hurts me the most?? Its that they are SO ****ing misunderstood.

ScottCapper

Why are people so god dam judge mental who cares.. let them paint if they want personally I find the gym good for dealing with depression

ILoveYourVibes

ScottCapper wrote: »

Why are people so god dam judgemental who cares..

It's all ..I ...have left....

Graces7

ardinn wrote: »

Apparently any activity with your hands in front of you performing a task is practicing mindfulness. I make sea fishing rigs before I go on a trip - a few hours fly by and you havnt a notion whats going on around you. Knitting is supposed to be excellent for you.

I think we all do things like this in some way without realizing it.

You beat me to it.. with me it has always been kntting or at one stage embroidery, Always knitting now. There is an end result, and a sense of achievement and satisfaction. The rhythm of it calms

Not interested in eg mndfulness , therapy etc... just common sense and a great way to pass the time usefully and pleasurably. My work is sold for work for the needy so an extra benefit

greenspurs

People that display anything on BookFace is narcissistic , and should be avoided... Actually anyone on BookFace , should be avoided …. "im so sick today" … You ok hun …. etc....

gctest50

Bit of fun if yer bored and can draw

Tell me how

Tell me how wrote: »

Also, correct me for being dubious, but comparing something to 'drinking your own piss' doesn't sound like academic terminology.

It appears the user was using piss drinking to import the phrase "benefits that are unattainable by any other means" which were then applied to adult colouring in the next sentence where they used "benefit that couldn’t be derived from an infinite number of other activities".

In other words - the user was just manufacturing and smuggling in a standard to evaluate the practice - exclusivity - that no one else is actually using in any way. I am not aware of anyone making claims about the benefits of adult colouring - who have been claiming those benefits are in any way exclusive or need to be.

FFred wrote: »

Really, in all my years under the mental health system, I’ve never been prescribed colouring in?

I know someone who spent years in the mental health system and was never prescribed CBT either. When I recommend he seek it out - it changed his life.

It is not that any current therapist is bad for not recommending something that ultimately turns out to be beneficial to you. I think it is more that the mental health system is just not as systematic as when you are perscribed an anti viral for a virus.

Each therapist is probably good at what they do and know - but what they do and know might not be what you particularly need. Shop around. Let each therapist know what was tried with you before - and ask them directly if they specifically work with techniques and ideas that are different. If they do try it - if not then move to the next.

Hope you find something that helps out there!

ardinn wrote: »

Apparently any activity with your hands in front of you performing a task is practicing mindfulness.

I think the correct term for that is "flow" when you lose yourself utterly in a task. Mindfullness meditation and similar is more about increasing your awareness of the present moment. Flow is about totally losing yourself in the present moment. Both seem to be beneficial and are worth seeking out. Tools like coloring probably help us do just that.

One eyed Jack wrote: »

I see it as infantilism. Objectively, that’s all it is, and any claimed benefits remind me of the sort of person who claims that drinking their own piss somehow offers benefits that are unattainable by any other means.

Yet no one is making claims about things like "any other means" or "similar benefits". I am sure in fact that _all_ the claimed benefits of adult colouring can in fact be obtained in a multitude of other pursuits. But so what? Exclusivity is not the standard we should use of measuring benefit here.

I also do not see it as infantilism - I think that is just your go to on a number of subjects where adults do something you do not - but kids often do. But by that standard what is not infantilism? Prayer for example has been shown to be beneficial to people who do it. Even though there is zero evidence of any kind suggesting there is anyone on the receiving end of the prayer.

Infantilism? Sure! They are basically talking to their imaginary friend. How much more infantile can you get? And yet there is seemingly benefits all the same in calming people and helping them focus and take their mind away from their other concerns for a short period of time. Are we to ignore those benefits merely because talking to your imaginary friend is a childish thing to be doing? I certainly hope not! At least if they keep their prayer to themselves - given it has been shown telling people you are praying for them may be actively harmful.

There are studies showing the benefits of adult colouring. There are studies in fact showing that _what_ they are asked to colour and _how_ actually affect the outcomes too. And there are papers and articles discussing why this might be as well. Including an article supporting my two hypothesis that A) the coloring is a tool that focuses our ability to access the power of placebo and that the coloring is a tool to educate them on - or "smuggle in" - mindfulness practices they might otherwise reject or be biased against or not interested in. More research needed of course. What research _you_ did on the matter I guess will remain a mystery.

Foweva Awone

I've tried mindful colouring a few times, it's been suggested to me by various therapists. It doesn't do much for me, but I find jigsaw puzzles great. Pure mindfulness. Each to their own I guess!

Oh and yeah I do sometimes share them on Facebook, I'm in a jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts group, yes there is such a thing! *cough*NERD*cough*

One eyed Jack

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Yet no one is making claims about things like "any other means" or "similar benefits". I am sure in fact that _all_ the claimed benefits of adult colouring can in fact be obtained in a multitude of other pursuits. But so what? Exclusivity is not the standard we should use of measuring benefit here.

Objectivity is the standard I mentioned. I said nothing about exclusivity.

I also do not see it as infantilism

Well colour me surprised :rolleyes:

rireland

People who share it are fools. It's simply a "look at me doing this thing that kids do but I'm an adult and enjoy it, I'm so quirky and strange in a good way" thing.

Thoie

I sometimes do some colouring in. It's a quiet activity that doesn't require any brain power, so I can listen to an audio book or music at the same time. If my mind is whirring with "things I need to do", it gives me a few minutes of peace. I've never been able to draw, I don't knit, so it gives me something to do with my hands. I've started doing woodwork as well, and see them both in the same light.

I wouldn't be sharing pictures of my colouring in on social media though, I can't imagine any of my friends have any interest in it at all. If I made original art I might.

Tell me how

rireland wrote: »

People who share it are fools. It's simply a "look at me doing this thing that kids do but I'm an adult and enjoy it, I'm so quirky and strange in a good way" thing.

Would you say the same about someone sharing their golf score, or bench press, or 10k time or whatever?

They're sharing it to participate in a community in which they feel some connection. Some of the completed work, such as that shown above is impressive, why shouldn't it be shared. It might encourage someone else to try it.

Graces7

remembering now I went through a bad patch and found great solace in big felt tip posters. I think they were doodlart but not as surreal as the ones online are,

would not do it now. but we go through stages.. used to love jigsaws too. same ... past it

rireland

Tell me how wrote: »

Would you say the same about someone sharing their golf score, or bench press, or 10k time or whatever?

They're sharing it to participate in a community in which they feel some connection. Some of the completed work, such as that shown above is impressive, why shouldn't it be shared. It might encourage someone else to try it.

Well it's slightly different.

Someone sharing their random golf score? Yes, I would think the same.

Someone saying they benched 40kg when their PB is 80kg? Yes, I would think the same.

If someone plays their best round or benches more than they ever have then I would understand it (still think these people are idiots).

There's no achievement in colouring in something.

gctest50

rireland wrote: »

.........


There's no achievement in colouring in something.

Maybe there was for them

Paddy Cow

I was going to get one for my sister for a laugh one Christmas, until I went into Eason's and it was €13. Not a chance I'd pay that for a colouring book. I just checked online and they have some with "mindfulness" in the title which are nearly 20 quid :rolleyes: I saw them recently in the euro shop for €1.50

Tell me how

rireland wrote: »

There's no achievement in colouring in something.

Really?

What is achievement? Sharing interests with something isn't just about having 'achieved' something. It's about sharing an interest.

I like going to plays. Should I stop sharing my experience with people because I wasn't on the stage?

ILoveYourVibes

Hmm ..maybe i will make one and sell it! MY IDEA YOU CANT STEAL!

sullivlo

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

I draw and take sketch pads with me. I lose track of time and draw incredibly detailed portraits of people in front of me. I put these people in strange situations in these drawings that link into whatever topic i am currently obsessed with.

Then I come to and its like 2 am in the morning and i am sitting in the park realizing i have been locked in and i will now have to climb over the wall to escape before the zombies get here.


But I think i could sit and sketch zombies so i wait for them to arrive.

This is how I started my zombie life drawing series.



Do you know what hurts me the most?? Its that they are SO ****ing misunderstood.

Oh the irony.

Rubberlegs

I have never tried it but the profanities colouring books are tempting

ILoveYourVibes

sullivlo wrote: »

Oh the irony.

WHat?

I DREW That from scratch ...and painted it... that's ALL my own work

The shadow technique i chose to go with the palette of blues i chose.

The sketch under is pen and pencil ...then the paint wash in different blues.

Why not learn a skill? Show your skill etc?

Its not vegetating ..its really getting different parts of the brains to work ...

AND for this i went to a life class ..so its socializing.

There is no SKILL to coloring in. Its like watching T.V.

It might make you feel good. But is it actually good for the brain?

sullivlo

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

WHat?

I DREW That from scratch ...and painted it... that's ALL my own work

The shadow technique i chose to go with the palette of blues i chose.

The sketch under is pen and pencil ...then the paint wash in different blues.

Why not learn a skill? Show your skill etc?

Its not vegetating ..its really getting different parts of the brains to work ...

AND for this i went to a life class ..so its socializing.

There is no SKILL to coloring in. Its like watching T.V.

It might make you feel good. But is it actually good for the brain?

Well done.

Just irony that in a thread where people are complaining about others sharing their colouring on social media, you share your colouring on social media.

Tell me how

sullivlo wrote: »

Well done.

Just irony that in a thread where people are complaining about others sharing their colouring on social media, you share your colouring on social media.

Or that they obviously benefitted from creating that piece but can't appreciate how others might benefit from creating theirs.

Or how they suggested people using colouring books can't keep within the lines.