coloring books

[rhyspeace12]

This may sound simplistic and silly, but I want to mention how much coloring in adult books with gel pens has enriched my life, and brought me great calm. I am my husband's caregiver and sometimes it gets over whelming. It is so "Zen" to sit in front of the television and color away. The books are intricate and the ink flows. I find myself getting my chores done just to be able to sit down to color. It must bring me all the way back to being a kid and painting by numbers. It's better than an antidepressant any day.I buy the best books on Amazon.

[Icequeen10]

Thank you for sharing why it calms you! That's reason enuf for me,!

[rhyspeace12 in reply to Icequeen10]

Yeah, funny how i got addicted so fast. Life's problems swirl on around me and I just color and color. Right now I am coloring "Art Deco Clothing." It's amazing how much work goes into those coloring book designs when the book often costs just the price or a Starbucks frappe'!

[M1tz1]

Wonderful idea. Grieving the loss of my husband a year ago. Maybe this will help. xx

[rhyspeace12 in reply to M1tz1]

I certainly hope it helps you. I have no creative talent, so coloring in these books makes my body feel like i do, because i am expressing myself, somehow. It's kind of like doing a puzzle in a way. I have to see if things match up on either side, I pick the colors.Sometimes i get to the end of the whole intricate picture and realize things, like, I'd been coloring a koala,bear instead of a teddy bear. Discovery, sleuthing!

I'm sorry for your loss. I've been married for 57 years and it's hard to have my athletic, strong minded husband depending on me.

[M1tz1 in reply to rhyspeace12]

Thank you rhyspeace. My husband was also an athlete and a wonderful bass-baritone. His athletics kept him going (he ran ultra- marathons). Must have had PD for years --had major symptoms that we'd never been taught about. Saw his neurologist for 20 years but was not diagnosed with PD until he was fully handicapped-- could neither walk nor sing in those last weeks. He was going on for 81.

Praying for the two of you. xx

[rhyspeace12 in reply to M1tz1]

Thank you for your good thoughts for us. I would have never guessed, that when we got married at 18 and twenty, his dreadful restless legs would lead to being a symptom of Parkinson's many, many years later..

[M1tz1 in reply to rhyspeace12]

I didn't know that restless legs could be a potential sign of PD. All the best to you two.

[Hidden]

One of my favorite things also. I prefer colored pencils, I enjoy shading and blending.

[rhyspeace12 in reply to Hidden]

I haven't tried pencils. I do like the feel of the gel flowing. I find they suddenly stop working, quite often, but if i open up the pen and blow into it to remove air bubbles . They normally start working again. I do a bit of shading too,and adding colors to other colors. It is really good for the brain to make decisions on what colors to use and how to color over things that didn't turn out so hot!

[Hidden]

Sometimes in life the simple things are the most effective at helping us to de-stress and deal with life’s issues. Thank you for sharing.

[rhyspeace12]

Except, I get so carried away with my relaxing I don't get to bed until after midnight!

[Millbrook]

Hi. As caregivers the illness takes it toll on us. Good that you hv found something that helps you de stress and which you enjoy. Take care and God bless x

[rhyspeace12]

A long time ago at a Parkinson's meeting, I commented that I didn't understand why people seemed so sorry for me, having a husband with Parkinson's. 5 years later, i understood.

[caveman_jay]

my best friend colors a lot, maybe i should try it for stress relief.

[rhyspeace12]

I wouldn't have thought I would enjoy it so much

[R8360V]

Hi nice for you to coment on this I’m a Parkinson’s sufferer and with tremor I paint I’ve never painted before but it surely has results!

So Ive been offered voluntary work at hospital for patients relaxation and therapy for any kind of ailments this has its therapeutic results

[R8360V]

By the way we can post any pics we like to get everyone inspired ! Just a thought !

[Gioc]

My motto is: "make your life a work of art, beautiful and interesting and unique".

Beautiful way to do it