Colorful Nostalgia: A Multihued Therapeutic Diversion

Mom turned 72 just weeks ago. The end of a memorable day was drawing near, and as we made our way back home, the sky nearing sunset, Mom smiled.  I smiled.  “Remember when,” she began to say – and I do remember.

From the vantage point of my bedroom window on the second floor of the two-story townhome where I grew up, I recall looking out to an azuline sky as I delighted in one of my favorite childhood activities. “It looks like cotton candy,” I would tell my mother, as I looked at the fluffy pink swirls of spun sugar floating in the blue Florida sky. If only I could float out of that window and make my way to the clouds, I thought. There would be no hurry there; just a slow flowing swim through the sky, where I’d take a moment to turn on my back, enjoy a long slow exhale and float right towards the sweet billows of fairy floss.

My desk was positioned directly below that window and on those days that my drawing and coloring activities would coincide with the sun’s setting, I found that the colors of that glorious sunset would make their way onto my coloring pages:  a periwinkle blue sky brushed with strokes of melon, burnt sienna, and salmon, and the clouds were always colored in cotton candy pink, blended with just a touch of white.

To this day, it is one of my greatest pleasures to sit and watch the magnificent dance of colors swaying across the sky. On occasion, I still find myself longing for a chance to return to that setting and bring color to paper, to enjoy the viewing of that sunset from the window of my childhood home, with Mom by my side, daydreaming of cotton candy right along with me. These days, colorful waves of nostalgia brush over page or canvas on those rare occasions when I can carve out some time to enjoy a quiet afternoon or evening of painting or sketching.

Recently, I was both delighted and intrigued when I discovered that coloring books for adults have become top sellers on Amazon and continue to grow in popularity.  These adult coloring books are not what we all may remember from our childhood. They range from simpler geometric patterns to intricately beautiful designs in an endless variety of themes, from bountiful gardens, underwater scenes, and animal designs, to mandalas and cityscapes. Nostalgia aside, there are good reasons you may want to consider picking up a book and some colored pencils or a set of felt tips.

The trend began in France with the release of Art-thérapie: 100 Coloriages Anti-Stress, a coloring book meant especially for adults, as a form of relaxation. The American Art Therapy Association describes the practice of art therapy as an “integrative mental health profession that combines knowledge of human development and psychological theories and techniques with visual arts and the creative process… helping clients improve psychological health, cognitive abilities and sensory-motor functions.” Art therapy, which dates back to the 1940s, builds on a relationship between certified therapist and patient, and aids people in problem and conflict resolution, and stress management.

Coloring and Stress

While coloring is not exactly the same as art therapy, it has been used as a tool for therapy and can offer calming and relaxing therapeutic effects, which can, in turn, serve to help reduce anxiety and stress. Most of us actively participate in a variety of hobbies, from art, to running, music, or yoga, as a way to lead a more balanced life and enjoy the mental and/or physical benefits they offer.  For those that are not artistically inclined, coloring offers a creative outlet without the pressure that may come from starting on a blank page.

Coloring and Cancer Patients

In a recent journal article, The BMJ remarked that the Velindre Cancer Centre in the UK had observed the impact of coloring books on their patients who were undergoing inpatient chemotherapy at the center.  Patients reported that the activity aided in relaxation during treatment stating, “it relaxes the mind and the body,” and “while you are doing it, you concentrate only on that one task.” Psycho-Oncology also noted that multiple studies reveal adult cancer patients did not necessarily show physical improvements from creative psychological interventions (CPIs), but that using a variety of creative therapies, including art therapy, resulted in lower levels of anxiety, depression, stress and anger, while improving mood and quality of life.

Coloring and Dementia & Alzheimer’s

A recent article on Mag Online Library notes studies have indicated that dementia and Alzheimer’s patients can benefit significantly from engagement, as it can reduce feelings of frustration, anger and aggressive behavior.  Further, familiarity and nostalgia have been shown to help patients reconnect with their identity and facilitate increased engagement. Familiar photos, music and even nostalgic coloring and activity books have been used successfully to stimulate interaction. Considering the benefits of stress reduction and relaxation that many colorists continue to express, this type of activity may also be beneficial to caregivers, who typically experience feelings of fatigue and stress while caring for their loved ones.

While the childhood memories of simpler times may make this a nostalgic experience for many adults, there is much more that this diversion may have to offer, as we all seek to live a healthier and more well-balanced life. As for me, I will continue to enjoy glorious sunsets, the occasional coloring page, and reminiscing about sugary fairy floss with Mom, for as long as I can.

By: Kimberly Bowman, LLS Coordinator of Academic Programs

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