Colouring Rituals as part of our daily Mindfulness & Creative Practices

In a fast-moving world, even a few quiet minutes with a colouring book can be a beautiful way to recentre and recharge. More than just a creative hobby, colouring helps you tune into your mood, release tension, and reconnect with the present moment. In this little article, I’d love to share three simple yet super fun daily rituals designed to bring joy, calm, and groundedness into your routine through mindful colouring. These rituals turn a few minutes of colouring into a sustainable self-care practice you’ll genuinely look forward to.

Let’s begin with a few basic art supplies. One of the most common questions I get about colouring is: “What kind of tools should I use?” Don’t worry. There’s no need to overcomplicate this. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

Markers: Ohuhu (the most popular marker for colouring right now), Faber-Castell, Copic
Coloured pencils: Prismacolor (my only go-to coloured pencils. They are very soft and vibrant)

My rule of thumb when it comes to art supplies is to keep it simple and invest in good-quality tools for long-term enjoyment. I’m not a fan of hoarding lots of stuff at home, so just one or two well-chosen items are perfect. With time and practice, I’ve found that I get better at making the most of the tools I already have.

Now, let's dive into our 3 fun rituals of Mindfulness Colouring:

🌞 1. The "Morning Mood Match" Ritual

Time: 15 - 20 mins
When: In the morning
What to do:

Before checking your phone or diving into the day, take a few deep breaths.
Choose of random simple page.
Ask yourself: "What colour feels like my mood right now?"
Pick a single colour that reflects your mood (or how you'd like to feel). Start with that colour first, then expand to its similar shades or tones. For example: you might have a whole page of different shades of green.

The Setup: A comfy, simple space that can be set up the night before. This make all the difference so you don't have to think too much about the set up in early morning. Set a gentle alarm so you don’t lose track of time; once you get in the zone, it can be hard to stop!

What's special about this challenge: It turns introspection into art. Also, watching how your mood-colour choices change over time is super satisfying.

🌈 2. The "No-Rules Rainbow" Challenge

Time: 30 - 90 mins or more - In transition after a whole day of work to resting
When: Late afternoon
What to do:

Choose a random page that you haven't done.
Put on your favourite music, pour yourself a cup of herbal tea or juice.
Bonus challenge: Add little doodles, words, or stickers. Go wild! Be playful!

The Setup: comfy space, create your own vibe with your favorite music (I created different playlist for different colouring vibe. For example: I have gothic rock playlist for fantasy colouring, rap playlist for goddesses colouring, etc).

What's special about this challenge: It taps into your inner rebel and playfulness, which is oddly healing. This one is my most favourite ritual.

🌙 3. The "Gratitude & Colour" Wind-Down

Time: 20 - 30 mins after dinner, before bed
When: Fridays evening instead of letting the screens take over
What to do:

Pick a simpler page.
Think of 3 things you’re grateful for today.
Assign a colour to each one.
Use those colours to fill in part of your colouring book. No pressure to finish.

The Setup: cosy space, lots of cushions, soft lighting, candles, a cup of cacao or herbal tea. Perfect as a friends gatherings night.

What's special about this challenge: It becomes your own secret colour language of gratitude.

JOIN THE SLOW LIVING COLOURING MOVEMENTS

Here is how you can be part of this fun creative movements:

Colouring in at your own pace. Setting up your own routine & ritual that works for you.
After you've done a page, if you share on Instagram - please tag @innerbeautybysierra. This is how I could also share your creation.
If you aren't on Instagram and would love to share with me, please send pictures of your creations to innerbeautybysierra@gmail.com

Why do you want to share your creations:

This will keep you going and finishing up a whole colouring book.
It's fun to do this together as a community.
Your creation will inspire others to get creative.
In Dec - around the end of the year, I will put together a mini magazine featuring all of your coloured-in versions! The magazine will be full of stories, insights and art prompts.