Holistic approaches are part of many recovery programs.
They can help you heal and grow through all stages of recovery.
- Coloring Therapy
Coloring works like yoga and meditation. It turns down your levels of stress by focusing your mind on a single soothing activity, slowing down your heart rate and breathing, and relaxing your body.
Click ānā Colour
A coloring site designed for adults and older children. You can color on screen or print out the unusual designs for a calming experience.
Verywell Mind
Explains how coloring mandalas is an easy way to relieve stress and anxiety. A mandala is a detailed design that represents wholeness in Buddhism. The simple process of coloring these beautiful designs is very comforting and gently focuses your mind on a relaxing and creative experience. You can download mandalas online or buy mandala coloring books at many bookstores.
Research StudiesResearch Studies
In this study coloring reduced fear and helped people feel more focused in the present moment. Coloring might not only reduce anxiety, but also improve mindfulness and creative thinking.
Nicola J. Holt, Leah Furbert & Emily Sweetingham (2019) Cognitive and Affective Benefits of Coloring: Two Randomized Controlled Crossover Studies, Art Therapy, 36:4, 200-208
Three groups were studied: those who colored on a mandala design, on a plaid design, or on a piece of blank paper. Coloring a mandala reduced anxiety the most.
van der Vennet, R., & Serice, S. (2012). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? A replication study. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 29(2), 87-92.
- Acupuncture
- Animal/Pet Therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Creative Arts Therapy: Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Poetry
- Gardening
- Guided Imagery
- Herbal Therapy
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis
- Journaling
- Massage Therapy and Bodywork
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Nature
- Nutrition
- QiGONG
- Yoga