Babouchkina, A., & Robbins, S. J. (2015).Reducing negative mood through mandala creation: A randomized controlled trial. Art Therapy,32(1),34-39. Agnoli, Vanucci, Pelagatti & Corazza (2018) examined mind-wandering and mindfulness in relation to creativity. Mindfulness was analyzed by distinguishing five different constitutional dimensions: Symbolizing how one’s mind looks and feels when it is full, busy, and unfocused compared to when one is mindful and self-aware, the mindfulness jar is an excellent analogy to explain the unfocused mind. Another fantastic name colouring worksheet is our Darcie Mindfulness Name Colouring Activity. Why should I use colouring sheets at home? Every time you see this positive message enhanced with your favorite colors, let it energize you to stay focused on your goals.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to draw. The end result isn’t the primary goal with mindful drawing; rather it is the process of focused drawing that is most important. Developed by psychologist, Dr. Lawrence Shapiro, this collection of nine mindful coloring illustrations ranges in difficulty and complexity. When each child had added a bead, they were encouraged to shake the jar, look at the contents and concentrate on what they were doing, then pass it on to the next child when the beads had settled. The discussion that followed compared the swirling chaotic contents to an over-stimulated mind. Seneviratne, K. (2018). Mindful Communication for Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Asia. India: SAGE Publishing Ltd.Mindfulness drawing can be structured in one of two ways, the first being to doodle without plan or purpose. Drawing, shading, and coloring in whatever way feels pleasant, affords an opportunity to learn more about ourselves. There is no right or wrong way to doodle, it’s all about drawing what you feel and exploring your creativity. Grant, A.M., Langer, E.J., Falk, E., & Capodilupo, C. (2004) Mindful Creativity: Drawing to Draw Distinctions. Creativity Research Journal, 16, 261-265. Agnoli, S., Vanucci, M., Pelagatti, C., & Corazza, G.E. (2018). Exploring the Link Between Mind Wandering, Mindfulness, and Creativity: A Multidimensional Approach, Creativity Research Journal, 30, 41-53, Both mindfulness and art creation are linked to flow state. The defining feature of flow state is the intense experiential involvement in moment-to-moment activity. According to Csikszentmihalyi (1990), it can only be achieved through an individual’s effort and creativity. Much like mindfulness and creativity, flow requires deep concentration, focused attention, and full engagement in the present.

Curry, A.N. & Kasser, T. (2005). Can Coloring Mandalas Reduce Anxiety? Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association. Archives Archives Mind Remake Project is a top mental health blog of 2021! Science Daily: Mind & Brain Knitting aids can be adapted and modified for those with disabilities and limited dexterity from arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, for example. Knitting needles made from bamboo are much lighter and more pliable than aluminum, taking the stress off of your hands and wrists. Knitting belts help people with arthritis, tendinitis and other disabilities knit with less pain.

This means that when you color, your mind is able to enter a more calming and relaxing state, allowing you to achieve mental peace and clarity. Origami isn’t just about making elaborate creations, sometimes simple is best. This eight-step origami fox tutorial is great for children and beginners – as is this useful origami envelope tutorial. In addition, there is also an editable version of these colouring mindfulness activities, so that you can add your own positive mental health keywords. What other resources can support mindfulness for children? A great first-time project is a patchwork quilt. Made from small squares and sewn together this kind of project not only encourages mindfulness but also fosters a sense of achievement through the regular achievement of smaller goals. A simple and effective way to create your mindfulness advent calendar is by selecting mindful prompts and observations, then sealing them up inside colored envelopes. If you feel inclined to do so, the envelopes can be replaced with simple origami envelopes or shapes which, when unfolded reveal some words guiding you to be mindful.