A Simple Coloring Ritual for When You Feel Overwhelmed

When life feels loud, fast, or too much, I’ve found myself reaching for something small: a pencil, a quiet page, a few minutes just to be.

It doesn’t fix everything—but it does something.

Coloring has become a way for me to come home to myself. Not in a Pinterest-perfect, zen-master kind of way. Just in a "pause and breathe" kind of way. A moment to soften the edges.

So today, I want to share a simple coloring ritual that’s helped me when I feel overwhelmed, scattered, or restless. No pressure, no perfection—just a rhythm to return to.

The Coloring Ritual

Step 1: Set the scene.
Find a space that feels good. This might be your kitchen table, a sun-drenched corner, or the floor with a blanket. Light a candle. Put on music if you want. Let the space invite you in.

Step 2: Choose your page.
Pick a page that calls to you—not because it’s perfect, but because something about it feels grounding. (In La La Landscapes, I tend to reach for the simpler pages when I’m frazzled.)

Step 3: Let color choose you.
Don’t overthink the palette. Let your hand wander to a color that feels good. Trust that your body knows what it needs—calm blues, energizing oranges, soft greens. There’s no wrong choice here.

Step 4: Breathe + begin.
As you start coloring, try matching your breath to your movement. Slow inhale, slow stroke. Exhale, release. You don’t need to fill the whole page. You’re not trying to finish anything. You’re just being.

Step 5: Close with intention.
After 10–15 minutes (or longer if it feels right), pause. Look at what you created—even if it’s just a few shapes. Notice how you feel. Maybe even write a word or two in the margin: Calm. Open. Alive.

Why It Matters

This isn’t about creating art for display. It’s about creating space for yourself inside your day. A pocket of peace. A place to land.

And the beautiful part? Every time you return to this practice, your nervous system learns: I can come back. I can soften. I can start again.

Whether you use this ritual once a week or once in a while, I hope it offers you a way in—a way back to yourself.

Want to try it?

If you don’t already have a copy of La La Landscapes (my coloring book I made!), you can find it here - LINK to Amazon. It’s filled with hand-drawn pages inspired by quiet walks, wide skies, and the joy of slowing down.

And if you try this ritual, I’d love to hear how it felt. Hit reply or tag me on Instagram @jenniferketler so I can cheer you on.