Sometimes we need a little time to ourselves.

Not an entire afternoon. Not a weekend away. Just a few minutes when we can put aside the things demanding our attention and enjoy doing something simply because we want to.

Coloring can be one way to create that space.

The best part is that you don’t need an elaborate routine, expensive supplies, or a perfectly organized creative space.

You just need a place to begin.

Find Your Favorite Time of Day

Some people enjoy a quiet morning before the day gets busy. Others prefer the evening, when the day’s responsibilities are finally behind them.

Think about when you naturally have a little time available.

Maybe it’s while enjoying your morning coffee, after dinner, or on a quiet afternoon.

Choose a time that already works for your life rather than trying to squeeze another obligation into your schedule.

And if that time changes from day to day, that’s perfectly fine.

Keep Your Supplies Simple

It’s easy to believe that a creative hobby requires a large collection of supplies.

But you can enjoy coloring with just a few things:

• A coloring book you enjoy
• A small selection of colored pencils or markers
• A comfortable place to sit
• A sheet of paper for testing colors

You can always experiment with additional supplies later.

For now, choose materials you enjoy using and keep them somewhere convenient.

The easier it is to begin, the more likely you are to return to your coloring book when you have a few spare minutes.

Choose a Page That Appeals to You

You don’t have to color the pages in order.

Flip through your book and find an illustration that catches your attention.

Maybe it’s a welcoming café, a beautiful garden, or a peaceful view.

Perhaps you simply like the details in a particular drawing.

Start there.

You don’t need a better reason than wanting to color that page.

Give Yourself Permission Not to Finish

One of the easiest ways to turn a relaxing activity into a chore is to decide that you have to finish what you started.

You don’t.

Color one flower.

Finish a chair.

Spend fifteen minutes experimenting with different shades of blue.

Then put the book away until you’re ready to return.

There’s no deadline, and nobody is waiting for the finished page.

You can enjoy the process without worrying about the result.

Make the Experience Your Own

Consider what makes a quiet moment enjoyable for you.

Perhaps it’s a cup of tea, your favorite music, or sitting near a window where you can enjoy the afternoon light.

You might prefer complete silence.

There is no perfect coloring environment.

The goal is simply to create a small experience that you look forward to.

A Little Creative Time Is Enough

At Quiet Harbor Books, we love the idea of books that invite you to slow down and participate in something creative.

Quiet Café Escapes: Beautiful Cafes & Scenic Places to Color was created around that idea, with café scenes and scenic places waiting for your own color choices.

You don’t need to finish a page every day or become particularly skilled at coloring.

You can simply enjoy the experience.

Sometimes a few pencils, a comfortable chair, and twenty minutes with a coloring book are all you need for a welcome change of pace.