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  • Writer's pictureJace Shoemaker-Galloway

National Coloring Day


If you’re sick and tired of feeling sick-and-tired and just plain stressed out, go grab a crayon. September 14 is National Coloring Day in the U.S.A., an annual holiday created by the "Queen of Holidays."

Not to be confused with National Coloring Book Day, which is observed in August, National Coloring Day is a special day for young and old alike. Coloring can be done just about anywhere and is affordable, too. Today is about adding a splash of color to your life, with or without coloring books. And if you are feeling extra adventurous, you can even color outside the lines, too!

Be honest. When is the last time you sat down and colored? Was it when the kids or grandkids were young? Or maybe it was years ago when you were a youngster? If you think coloring is just for kids – you’d be wrong. Coloring for adults has become a world-wide craze which has some publishers jumping on the coloring book bandwagon. Intricate, beautiful and downright fun coloring books for adults are flying off the shelves and are even topping bestseller lists!

Coloring not only adds a splash of color to your life and inspires creativity; it’s a great stress-buster, too. Who knew? According to best selling author, psychologist and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Alice D. Domar, Ph.D., coloring actually engages both sides of the brain. Coloring stimulates areas of the brain related to motor skills, senses and creativity. While some hobbies do help with relaxation, Domar says it’s impossible to worry when the mind is completely engaged. When we totally focus on an activity, we don’t focus on our worries.

It’s time to take a stroll down memory lane. Today is you time. Turn off those intrusive electronic devices and put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door. Pick up a set of colored pencils, pens, markers and/or a box of Crayola crayons and a couple of coloring books and get your color on! Then when you are done, encourage the rest of your family or a few of your favorite BFFs to join in on the coloring fun! Happy National Coloring Day!

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