Anxiety doesn’t always announce itself with a big wave. Sometimes, it creeps in quietly—through the racing thoughts, the tight chest, the feeling that you’re spinning but not really getting anywhere. We often think we need to be in a state of full crisis to “fix” it, but what if the answer is simpler than that?

What if the secret to anxiety relief is in the small, intentional acts we take each day? In the moments we choose to slow down, breathe, and create instead of react.

Why Coloring Works for Anxiety Relief

Coloring, yes coloring, can be your secret weapon in the battle against anxiety. Not because it’s a magic cure, but because it offers something so simple, so grounding—a moment for your mind to reset.

Coloring is more than just filling in lines or making something pretty. It’s about focusing on the present moment and letting the world outside fade away. Think about it—when you color, you're not thinking about that meeting you’re dreading or the laundry pile staring you down. You're in a focused, meditative flow, giving yourself space to breathe.

There’s something deeply healing about the process of coloring. You’re creating, expressing, and letting go of the pressures that come with adulthood. It’s a practice that helps you connect to your inner peace, not through words, but through color. It’s a ritual where you don’t have to explain anything or be anything—just allow yourself to create without expectations.

Step-by-Step Ritual for Calm

Ready to create your own ritual of peace? Here’s how you can use coloring as a 10-minute anxiety relief ritual:

Step 1: Find Your Sacred Space (2 minutes)

Before you get started, create a space that invites calm. This can be anywhere—your desk, your bed, a cozy chair—but it needs to be your sacred space for this ritual. Keep it uncluttered. Let the environment reflect the peace you’re about to bring into your mind.

Step 2: Choose Your Colors (1 minute)

Pick up your coloring tools and trust your intuition. Let the colors that call to you lead the way. No right or wrong here—just choose what feels right for you today. Maybe vibrant colors feel like energy you need. Or soft pastels may bring you peace. Your choice is your expression.

Step 3: Set Your Intention (1 minute)

This is about you. Close your eyes for a second and set an intention for your coloring. What do you need today? Peace? Clarity? A break from the chaos? Setting an intention helps you stay focused on the process, and gives you a grounding point for your practice.

Step 4: Get Lost in the Process (5 minutes)

Now, pick up your coloring tool and just start. Don’t rush. You’re not coloring for perfection; you’re coloring for calm. Let the lines guide you, and let your mind rest in the rhythmic act of coloring. Feel the release with each stroke. This isn’t about creating a masterpiece—it’s about creating space for your spirit to breathe.

Step 5: Reflect (1 minute)

After you’ve spent a few minutes coloring, take a step back. How do you feel now compared to before you started? Notice the shift. Whether it’s a little less tension in your shoulders or a clearer mind, celebrate the fact that you took time for yourself. That in itself is a huge win.

Coloring As A Ritual For Anxiety Relief

You may be thinking, This sounds nice, but will it really work? Sis, the answer is yes. The act of creating, even for just 10 minutes, can help you shift your mindset, release tension, and recenter yourself.

Coloring isn’t about escaping reality; it’s about giving your soul a moment of reprieve. It’s a pause, a reset that allows you to tap into the peace that’s already there, waiting for you to claim it. And that’s the beauty of it—coloring is a simple, accessible ritual you can take with you, anytime you need it.

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your day. It doesn’t have to define your moments. With just 10 minutes of coloring, you can create a moment of calm, peace, and clarity. It’s a practice of self-love, a ritual that honors the space your soul needs to heal. So, the next time you’re feeling the weight of the world, pick up a coloring tool and reconnect with the peace that’s always there.

Ready to reclaim your peace, one color at a time? Start your healing journey today with a Black Girl Coloring Book and make coloring your ritual for anxiety relief.