Switching off is something I’ve always struggled with, and I don’t think I’m alone. Mobile phones, social media, collaborative working tools, have all made it even more difficult to switch off, as we are constantly connected. The temptation to just check that late night work email, to “save you a job” the following morning, or “finish off” that document in readiness for an early morning meeting is always there.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that I can work from home from time to time, I enjoy the flexibility of knowing that if I need an hour off to sort something none work related out during the day, the option it there, I can catch-up later. But on those “normal” days, when the office day ends but the temptation to just check it still there, what do you do?
I usually turn to reading in the first instance, but even then, my mind sometimes wanders, finding something to ponder and worry about. The problem is I’m trying to focus on something else when in reality, I just want to switch off completely.
Next, I turned to good old Netflix, I love a good Netflix binge, but I seem to have lost the ability to just “be”. I still need to be doing something with myself, alongside binge watching series of Gilmore Girls, How I Met Your Mother and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (all of which are amazing BTW).
That was when a friend suggested colouring. Now I LOVE colouring. As a child, I had often spent MANY hours colouring peacefully on my own and loved it. In fact, I even won a colouring competition as a child, look how pleased I was!
But as an adult? never, it all felt a bit daft if I’m honest, my husband certainly thought so!
I scouted about on Amazon and ended up with my first colouring book and a set of pens to match. I was armed and ready!
I was a little dubious at first, but as I started to mindlessly colour in between the lines with my new colourful pens, I soon started to see what all the fuss was about, you really do switch off.
Somewhere in between selecting just the right felt-tips for the job and switching on Netflix in the background I would enter a zen-like state of relaxation, and I wouldn’t think about work ONCE. My “worry levels” are low, and when they do appear I have a mechanism for coping, a safety net of sanity if you will.
It’s been a year now and I just keep going and going
I’ve never strayed from Millie Marotta’s Books, sometimes, I’ve looked at others, but these really work for me. So much so I’ve got the full set now to enjoy.
So if like me you struggle to just “be” and switch off. Let it go… and colour in…nope… still sounds daft 😛
What do you think? Have you join the colouring revolution or are you still dubious? What do you recommend to switch off?
FYI My cat Izzy completely disagrees. Belly tickles and a big purring ball of fluff on your lap is the best solution according to her! She’s often there to convince me of it
OMG YES!! Coloring is soo therapeutic! I color with my kids all the time. I recently wrote a blog post about the psychological benefits of coloring for kids because it’s a powerful tool. You color really beautifully.
Author
I think it’s a great activity for kids, very calming and technology free 🙂
Ohh your drawings are amazing! It’s beautiful and I think that idea let you to relax and clear your mind.
Author
thanks! I wish I had drawn them rather than just filling in the lines 😛
You know, I hear this a lot about these books…I’ve definitely considered buying a few! Can’t hurt to have some pretty pictures after, too. 🙂
Author
you should they are great, they release a few a year to so I never run out
I so love coloring, but I don’t do enough. Why? I have coloring books and tons of markers and coloring pencils. Still, I’ve been slacking with it. It’s such a great way to relax and switch off like you said.
I’m going to start scheduling a few minutes a day for this again. That’s the only way I stick to it. HA!
Thank you for the inspiration!
Author
sounds like a plan!
I love colouring so much and i agree it just helps you switch off and stop worrying. I have Millie Marotta’s animal kingdom along with some others and i turn to them whenever i need some peace. Great blog post ?
Author
ooo yes, that was my first one!
I got an adult coloring book as a gift and it has been a lifesaver! I always liked to color but I felt as an adult it would be a little silly of me to continue but I’m so glad I pick that coloring book up!
Author
I know what you mean, I do get some funny looks when I tell people!
There are so many lovely colouring books around aren’t there! I find it’s almost like meditation, focusing your brain on just one thing….great post.
Author
yes I’m so glad it was a “fad” in a way because it really opened up the choice
I understand what you mean by Netflix isn’t helping you switch off. I notice that with binge watching my mind is still wandering around and thinking about everything I have to do. I began using adult colouring books for a few months now and it helps me so much! Just plugging in some headphones to listen to music and colouring really does ease your mind.
Hey!
Ich mache mir im Moment Gedanken darüber, welches Diät-Produkt spannend wäre.
Ich habe wirklich allerhand getestet, trotzdem nie Erfolge gehabt.
Könnt ihr mir berichten, was ich bei der Sache zu
berücksichtigen habe? Ich halte nichts von solchen Zaubermitteln, die vieles zusichern, jedoch nur wenig erfüllen. Es kann doch nicht sein, dass es Millionen von Zaubermitteln auf dem Markt gibt, aber nicht eins, das tatsächlich hilft.
Über Ideen oder Infos würde ich mich extrem
freuen
Herzliche Grüße
Katja http://gamesloversite.com/members/rosepratt8/activity/421904/
I think colouring is a great idea if you find that it relaxes you.