The study explored the use of colouring and drawing in veterans with and without self-reported Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms.

Veterans with self-reported PTSD symptoms also showed decreased self-reported anxiety and stress after colouring a mandala—a geometric pattern—for 20 minutes.

One explanation for the reduction in stress and anxiety may be because colouring a symmetrical image can induce a state of mindfulness, which refers to an awareness of being in the present moment, says Alloway.

PTSD is a debilitating anxiety disorder that can occur after someone has experienced a traumatic event in their life. While PTSD doesn’t affect everyone who has experienced a traumatic event, it can develop after single exposure to trauma.