Do you ever sit back and really think about the amount of stress adults are under? I most certainly do. While I was talking to my friend the other day, we both realized how being an adult was all work and no play L - responsibility, bills, careers, children, and much, much more. On top of all I have to accomplish in one day, my kids usually come home with homework that requires my help. At times this can be frustrating as most of my work days are extremely long. But for the first time the other day, my kids homework actually became an outlet for me. Well actually - it was an outlet long overlooked.
My three year old recently started a head-start program - one in which they give the child age appropriate homework to reinforce the day's lessons. In addition to the "thinking" homework, there is always a coloring sheet. Of course my job is to help sharpen the three year olds motor skills and to reinforce the importance of staying in the lines while coloring. So everyday we grab a box of crayons and color. And I must say - I've truly forgotten how relaxing coloring can be. As you may know, most three year olds want to do everything on their own. And as a result, I've had to get my own coloring book and color my own pictures - too funny. But - this has had its BENFITS. After three long work days last week, I found myself anticipating doing OUR coloring homework and I've even noticed that I'm more relaxed after coloring. I remember my father always saying that he needed 30 minutes to an hour to unwind after work. Well, as I've gotten older, I find myself telling my kids the same thing and it wasn't until about a month ago that I found out just how relaxing coloring can be. I used to unwind by sitting down and watching a little bit of tv, but that only made me lazy and sleepy. Coloring has proven to be a more balanced way of relaxing. It requires just enough activity to keep me from getting too lazy after work. After all - just because you've done your eight hours, doesn't mean your job is over for the day.