Coloring Mandalas Can Reduce Anxiety
Feeling anxious? Grab crayons. Coloring a mandala — those circles of intricate, geometric figures — has been shown to reduce anxiety significantly more than coloring on a plaid design or coloring on a blank paper. Published research by Renee van der Vennet, Ph.D., art therapy associate professor and program director at Nazareth College, has been getting buzz on trusted websites and social media in the scientific community, as reported by Taylor & Francis publisher in January.
"Coloring for adults to reduce stress has been popular in recent years," the professor points out. Her study was published before adult coloring took off.
More recently, her Nazareth students have done follow-up studies exploring more avenues of how coloring mandalas and creating art help reduce anxiety.
Van der Vennet and her students also create mandalas themselves.
"Everyone can use coloring to reduce stress," says van der Vennet.
For More Information
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | 585-389-2456 or jlong2@naz.edu
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
