Focus: Applying cognitive strategies to improve sustained attention. 

Coloring can be its own form of mindfulness, which means that while the user is coloring in a blank page or an illustration, they are focusing on the here and now and blocking out other distractions. Coloring apps like Lake can be a great way for users to take a moment for themselves and focus on the present moment. For users who struggle with focusing, starting with a simple coloring book page without a lot of small details can be a way to introduce this form of mindfulness. After the user is comfortable, they can then build up to coloring more complex illustrations, using more colors or different tools to create advanced techniques. The app also features a blank canvas option for those who want to create their own art from scratch. 

Self-Control: Identifying activities to improve response inhibition. 

Because coloring is a form of mindfulness, it can be a great activity for when the user is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated, or angry. Coloring allows the user to slow down, focus on small details and create something new while they process their emotions or take a break from them for a while. For users who struggle with response inhibition activities, starting with one small coloring page or a set amount of coloring time can be a way to introduce this activity to the user. This should be followed up with some reflection or discussion about how the user felt prior to the activity and how they feel afterwards.