Schmitz’ recent surveys have uncovered how adults around the world are turning to coloring books to relieve stress, relax and regain a sense of control over pressing issues in everyday life.
“Let’s face it. Daily we are bombarded with a flood of bad news, worst case scenarios and downright evil acts in our own communities and beyond,” says Schmitz. “Coupled with the normal stresses of family, career and financial concerns, women today are facing major stress factors coming at them 24-7. That requires a cool head and the ability to discern between important and urgent. That’s why the average woman must think differently when it comes to developing coping strategies to keep the crazies away and maintain a healthy lifestyle balance.”
Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author and radio talk-show host of Happier, spoke about the benefits of coloring in her recent show. “[Adult coloring books are] the kind of thing where, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or anxious, doing something like coloring takes a little bit of brain and it’s repetitive, soothing and doing something with your hands,” Rubin explained. She went on to emphasize how this tactile activity effectively “keeps your hands busy.”
The saying “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” comes to mind and indeed it is not hard to connect the dots when bringing stress relief and coloring together. The attentive focus on specifics such as color and “keeping between the lines” are more than just child’s play, explains Schmitz. “It’s an opportunity to allow the subconscious to work around the pressing issues women must deal with while keeping their hands busy and out of trouble. At the same time, the body allows tension to fall off. After only ten minutes of coloring, women report feeling refreshed and capable of returning to business as usual.”
An event Schmitz created on Facebook, the Grown-Up Coloring Book Easter Bonanza, is designed to aid women in navigating alternative, safe and proven ways to reduce stress and avoid aggressive behavior in times of anxiety and insecurity. The online community of coloring enthusiasts continues to grow after a strong surge in interest in 2015 with new records expected in 2016.
Schmitz will be joined by the following 10 top selling artists who have donated prizes, organized giveaways and offered special, event-only, deals to all who join: Mary J. Winters-Meyer of ColorOn Magazine, Erica Henry of Coffee and Coloring, J.A. Early Riser & T.J. Crayons of Absur’d, Sue Chastian of SuziQ Creations, Cristin April Frey of Sassy Sayings, Snarky Sarcasms, Saucy Swears, Heidi Berthiaume of Vintage Coloring, Andrea Wood Schmitz of Inkovator, Keren Hawley Threlfall of Awesomesauce Publishing,Jane Monk of Tangled Art Series Coloring In Books, Laura Medeiros of Laura Medeiros Art.
Inkovator is poised to help more women, judging by the sentiments of other past participants.
“You are giving and gracious to do this for the folks who love your art work! Y’all deserve huge hugs for your kind hearts and for providing such a wonderful day,” said Cynthia, a participant of Inkovator’s inaugural Grown-Up Coloring Book Bonanza held in 2015.
Another participant commented, “I have to tell you that for the past eight years since my accident disabled me, I spend most of my days home and don’t do much. Then yesterday morning to evening it was just crazy [during the Bonanza]. I’ve never been home by myself and had so much fun EVER. I personally can never thank you all enough for such a fun filled day yesterday!”
“It was fun and it was moving so fast. The artists had to have worked hard to prepare for this event. It blew me away. It’s a good way for the artist to meet the colorist and visa versa,” Melesa described her experience of the premier event.
By bringing the coloring community closer together, offering artists the chance to connect with fans and giving back to the community of women worldwide, Schmitz feels she is providing concrete strategies to solve problems and de-stress without falling into destructive patterns of aggression.
The Grown Up Coloring Book Easter Bonanza event will be held Friday, March 4th from 10 am – 10 pm EST. To learn more, meet new artists, enter giveaways and have a chance to win prizes dedicated to making adult coloring the stress-reducer of choice, visit http://inkov.at/easterbonanza.