Breathe is one of my favourite words. I suffer from anxiety and when I am having a panic attack, I repeat “just breathe” over and over again in my head as I take deep and long breaths. Doing this helps my mind and body calm down enough to push the anxiety out of my head.
Another way I like to calm my racing mind is by colouring. I decided to create a colouring sheet with the word breathe as a way of incorporating my 2 favourite relaxation techniques. I also created a colouring/relaxation activity that I find very useful when I am feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Relaxation Activity:
Print a copy of the colouring sheet and grab your favourite pencil crayons.
Find a nice quiet space. Light some candles if you want or play some soft music.
Close your eyes and tune into your breath. Are you taking short and shallow breaths? Your goal is to take long, deep breaths and focus on the sensation of your breath filing your lungs. Exhale and concentrate on the sensation of your breath leaving your body. Repeat a few times and you will automatically feel relaxed.
Start colouring, Take your time and enjoy the moment. Think back to when you were a child and how much you enjoyed colouring. Fill your mind with fun and positive thoughts. No one is judging your colouring skills. The main task is to relax, concentrate on feeling peace and calm though out your body.
If your mind starts to wander and think about the stress in your life, close your eyes and take some more deep breaths. The goal is to have an escape from the stress we feel everyday….even if just for 20 minutes.
Download a copy of the Breathe Kickass-Living Colouring Sheet
Enjoy and remember….no one is judging you. This is your quiet time.
Do you have a favourite way to calm and relax your mind?
Ann
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lisa says
I love to color, it relaxes me so much!! I just purchased a few good coloring books for my older girls to enjoy. I love your post, and I agree sometimes we need to step away from stress even if it is only for 20minutes!
Ann says
It is amazing how calming colouring can be. A calm mind before bed helps me get a great sleep.
Margarita says
I found myself just breathing in and out and in and out … very slowly as I read your awesome post.
Lisa Bristol says
I love to color to relax. his is a great sheet to work on and remind yourself to slow down and breathe. I will have to print off a few of these to color with my Daughter. It would be a great one to frame.
Jennifer Van Huss says
I love this idea. I suffer from panic attacks and anxiety as well. Sadly, as much as I love colouring they don’t relax me. When I’m panicked I need to do something active! I need to be moving and cleaning (most times!) Colouring does help me when I’m sad or bored! There is nothing more relaxing then colouring!
Ann says
I find that when I am very anxious, I tend to clean my kitchen. It helps release the built up energy.
Kristi Dominguez says
As a kiddo, I colored for relaxation all the time. I had dozens of coloring books. I’m like you and deal with anxiety, too….this sounds like such a great way to unwind and take the pressure off. I love the coloring sheet you provided, too…and the word ‘breathe’ is perfect on it! Thank you so much for sharing.
paula schuck says
This is a great reminder. Sharing this with my daughter. My oldest gets anxious. I have a good friend too who does a lot of colouring to calm herself when feeling overwhelmed. It’s surprising how effective that can be. Love the colouring sheet. Very cute. Anxiety and panic attacks are such a PITA. When my daughter explains what that feels like and the fact that it is present all the time I feel awful just thinking about carrying that around daily. Breathe in and out is definitely the first step. This will help a lot of people.
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Bites for Foodies says
I’ve always thought that colouring was the perfect form of relaxation, and even meditation for adults (this was before these colouring books came out!). I have so many I can’t count! Yoga, meditation, and colouring soothe my soul!
Sue Reddel says
This post came to me at just the right time. I just received the best collection of colored pencils and pens to try out. I always loved drawing so I’m not sure I’d be into coloring but I know I’d enjoy just taking some time to sketch even the simplest items and enjoying putting pencil to paper again. Thanks for the reminder!
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Tami says
I have a few friends at church who enjoy coloring for relaxation. I usually read or write for my own relaxation. I might just give this a try.
David Elliott says
I know that we have been doing coloring programs at the library. And I know a lot of these coloring programs have been popping up everywhere. I have heard that it really helps with the stress levels. There are some really beautiful pieces I have seen people color.
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Kiwi says
I have loved coloring ever since I was a child. I am loving how there are more adult coloring and mandala books on the market. It is great for calming and putting yourself in a peaceful meditative state.
Abir Sur says
Hey, Ann, Thanks for your great tips! I would love to try it. I love colours!