Jessica Louise Colouring Calm your Mind. Colour your Life

I understand the weight of stress, anxiety, and frustration all too well—I’ve been there myself. Since being diagnosed with a vestibular disorder in 2020, my life took a dramatic turn. I was already on the fast track to burnout, living a life consumed by work. While I cherished time with my family, I often found myself not fully present. Everything changed after my first vestibular migraine. I still laugh about it: I had just bought my first dress in ages, and as all my friends and family would agree that was a pretty unusual and stressful event just by itself, but not something that should suddenly start my world spinning around me. Although the vertigo didn't last long, I soon struggled with motion sickness, could barely travel in a car, and found it hard to look at a computer screen. For a while, I felt like a shadow of myself.

During this challenging time, coloring became a lifeline for me. My daughter and I have always loved arts and crafts, but I realized that sometimes it uplifted me, while other times it added to my frustration. I began to notice patterns based on my mood and the type of project I was working on. If a project was too engaging, I became hyper-focused and overwhelmed; if it was too simple, I got bored. I was also hard on myself—my perfectionism often clouded my enjoyment of the process. I learned that if I chose the right project from the start, I could still achieve a satisfying result.

That’s when I started categorizing my projects into three types, each tailored to my mood and goals:

Peaceful: For those overwhelming days when just doing anything felt hard. These projects were quick and easy, focusing more on the process than perfection. Completing one often filled me with hope and a sense of accomplishment.

Mindful: For the days when I felt relatively good but needed to ground myself. These projects were more detailed and took longer, allowing me to engage without the pressure of perfection.

Engaging: These larger projects helped me dive deeper into creativity when my mind was active but my body needed a break. Whether it was a rainy day or simply wanting to spend time with my daughter, these projects gave me a sense of achievement without the stress of work.

Through my journey, I’ve been learning which projects suit my moods best, and I would love to share this experience with others. Are you open to joining me as we explore our creative paths together?

Michelle