Being a family caregiver can be overwhelming. Adult colouring books are a great way for caregivers to reduce stress significantly. This simple activity can help family caregivers stay calm and regroup. Here are some of the ways colouring therapy works for caregivers.
Relaxes the Brain
Colouring helps the mind go into a meditative state immediately, and focusing on this activity relaxes the brain. While you colour, your mind isn’t focused on other tasks like your responsibilities as a family caregiver. When focusing on something other than your caregiving duties, the brain relaxes, reducing activity in the amygdala, which is a set of neurons responsible for the brain experiencing emotions.
If you’re a family caregiver and need help with your caregiving duties, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Edmonton families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Focuses the Mind
Colouring requires you to pay attention to details. You may end up doing a lot of repetitive colouring in similar shapes, which has a de-stressing effect. With the mind focused on colouring large shapes, small items, and various areas in the colouring book, you’ll be less likely to worry about other things. The attention to detail will occupy parts of the brain that reduce anxiety levels.
Sparks Creativity
Anyone can colour, regardless of talent. When sitting down to colour, allow your creative imagination to run freely, without the fear of doing something wrong. Being creative is fun and therapeutic. Deciding on the colours, the areas of the picture you want to shade, and the extras you want to add to a drawing can make you happy and reduce stress levels. Using your creativity can stimulate the brain and keep you engaged in happy thoughts instead of focusing on the stressors of caregiving.
To relax and take a break from your caregiving responsibilities, consider hiring a professional caregiver. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior care. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Replaces Negative Thoughts
Colouring can help the brain revert to simpler times, such as moments from your childhood. Colouring requires concentration, which can replace negative stress-inducing thoughts with positive mental imagery. Whenever negative thoughts creep into your mind, pull out an adult colouring book to help you push the thoughts aside.
Provides a Sense of Accomplishment
Being stressed about providing adequate care for your loved one is normal, especially if he or she has become ill or experienced negative changes. Colouring during challenging times allows you to finish something within your control. The sense of accomplishment can lead to a wave of positivity, which can create more happy feelings and less stress.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Edmonton elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337 to learn more about our customized care plans.