insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 21

At the end of the hour, all but one had enjoyed
the experience and remarked that they would
continue the 'therapy' at home due to the effect
it had on diminishing stress. Alex, who admitted
it 'wasn't for him' felt more stressed out, while
the remaining team members (all female,
interestingly enough) loved it and welcomed its
'brain-numbing' effect and creativity! In terms of
the stress-o-meter, levels had decreased with
the highest now at six and lowest at one – dubbing
the process an overall success.

My unfinished 'masterpiece'

However, one aspect I found particularly interesting
was the focus on colour. 'What’s your favourite
colour?' is a common childhood question, and
while this may seem nothing more than a routine
query it's important to remember that colour
provides a direct link to our emotions and in turn,
can reflect how we feel about ourselves.
From intense reds to serene blues, calming pastels
and more, the team flitted between shades, but
what about the colour they picked first? Maz
explained she opted for pink because 'it's her
favourite colour', while purple was my initial pick
for the simple reason that I was most attracted
to it that very moment.
For us adults, it seems colouring promotes a
sense of relaxation – the ability to immerse oneself
in a simple activity to achieve what is
predominantly the onset of a state of meditation.
For me, the concentration that comes from picking
the right page to work on, using complimentary
colours and maintaining symmetry is consuming,

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and as a result, all other thoughts pale in
comparison. And ironically, while it allows freedom
from thought, it gives you a clear headspace to
think too...however that may work!
Since looking into this new-found therapy, I've
discovered it's not just me who fancies retaining
a bit of childishness; having told my peers, I've
been inundated with requests from those who
want to also 'test' the theory and, I feel, regain
a slice of their childhood. It's fun, silly and lighthearted – and maybe that's just what we need
amid the everyday rat race. Now I've relived my
colouring days, I certainly won't be giving up The
I Can’t Sleep Colouring Book anytime soon – fad
or no fad.

The I Can’t Sleep Colouring Book
(O’Mara Books) is out now, £5.99.
For the full range of titles in the adult colouring
books range, visit www.mombooks.com.
@omarabooks