By: Tom White
As an immigration lawyer, stress had long been part of Tahmina Watson’s professional experience. But her workload was often heavier than most. As the author of The Startup Visa book series and host of The Startup Visa Podcast, Watson managed tight deadlines, evolving immigration policies, and emotionally challenging client cases, all while balancing motherhood, running a business, and managing daily life. “It was a constant whirlwind,” she reflects. “Then the pandemic arrived, and for the first time, I paused.”
During one quiet afternoon on her deck, a small bird fluttered nearby. That simple moment of stillness sparked an interest that would profoundly change her daily routine. Watson, founder of Watson Immigration Law, began exploring bird photography. “What started as a casual hobby soon grew into a meaningful passion,” she shares. She found herself capturing not only birds but also wildlife, the moon, planets, and even chasing the Northern Lights.
Photography became more than just an activity—it became a form of therapy. Whenever she felt overwhelmed or anxious, her camera helped ground her in the present moment. Over time, Watson began sketching birds based on her photos, which eventually led her to discover the calming practice of coloring.
This personal journey inspired the creation of the coloring book series, Color Your Joy. This series draws from her own healing experience and fine art photography, converted into line art suitable for coloring. It’s a way for Watson to share a practice that has been meaningful to her recovery and well-being.
Scientific research also supports the potential benefits of coloring as a stress-relief tool. A study published in the Journal of Integrated Social Sciences found that just 20 minutes of coloring was associated with lower stress levels and greater relaxation. Coloring may contribute to lowering cortisol—the hormone related to stress—help ease anxiety, improve focus, and assist in regulating the nervous system.
The rising popularity of adult coloring books, now commonly found on bookstore shelves, reflects a growing awareness of the positive effects that creative expression can have on mental wellness. Coloring is becoming recognized not just as a children’s activity, but as a form of mindfulness and relaxation accessible to people of all ages.
According to Watson, coloring can be a helpful practice for many different lifestyles. “Whether you’re a busy professional feeling pressure, a parent looking for a brief moment of calm, a student managing multiple deadlines, or simply someone feeling stretched too thin, this is an invitation to pause,” she explains. “You don’t need any artistic skill—just a willingness to slow down, breathe, and give your mind a rest.”
Watson emphasizes the importance of letting go of perfectionism in this practice. She advises people not to worry about doing it “right” because there is no right or wrong way to color. “Start small,” she suggests. “Try five minutes before bedtime, ten minutes with your morning coffee, or a quiet moment while waiting for a meeting to begin. Keeping a coloring book and some pencils in your bag or on your desk can make it easy to fit in these little moments of calm throughout the day.”
For Watson, coloring serves as a portable reset button—a personal space of peace that can be accessed anytime. Whether you prefer to color inside the lines or outside, the key is to engage in the process without judgment and simply enjoy it.
More broadly, Watson’s experience highlights the value of creative outlets as tools for emotional well-being, especially in high-stress professions and busy lives. Taking time to engage in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness may provide a much-needed counterbalance to the pressures of daily demands.
Color Your Joy is more than a coloring book series—it’s an invitation to embrace small moments of peace and self-care. Watson’s message encourages everyone to make room for creativity and rest, no matter how full life feels.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. While creative activities like coloring may help reduce stress for some people, they are not substitutes for professional treatment. Individuals experiencing significant stress or mental health concerns should consult a qualified healthcare provider.
