How a very unique coloring book helped lead Jarren Duran to the All-Star Game

ARLINGTON, Texas - It is a rare time for reflection for Jarren Duran.

The Red Sox outfielder has been storming through the 2024 season, headphones on, playing every game and simply trying to do the right things. It is philosophy and approach which led him to this spot Monday afternoon, answering questions at Media Day as a member of the American League All-Stars.

"You would think but sometimes when you’re going good … Me, personally, when I’m doing good I think sometimes this is going to end soon," said Duran when asked if his own success - and that of his team - was allowing for a spring in his step. "I kind of beat myself up doing that, thinking this won’t last forever. I try not to ride the wave too high or too low. I try and stay int he middle because it’s a very strong emotional roller coaster if you ride the highs super high and ride the lows super low."

Duran later added, "I think I’m handing things a lot better. I know some things still get to me but that’s just part of it. I’m still learning to do it. I have great teammates around me to help me out. All these older guys who can help me to manage, whenever I have questions I never hesitate asking them for help.

"I don’t think I knew where the All-Star Game was, so I wasn’t paying attention to. … It wasn’t even a thought in my mind I would be here right now. I just wanted to be that guy that worked hard and played hard and it worked out for me."

Whatever he has been doing, it has been working.

And, as it turns out, part of what he has been doing is more creative than anyone could imagine.

Duran explained in spring training how documenting his thoughts and goals each and every day had been a saving grace in his battle to maintain better mental health. But as the season has progressed there have been adjustments and additions. Of particular note is one unique purchase he made off of Amazon.com.

"I have actually learned a couple of new things. When my brain is going a million miles an hour after the game I usually do a little coloring book, which kind of helps slow me down. But when my brain has only a couple of things going into it, I will write that down. I have learned when my brain is going too much I write a bunch of gibberish where as when I can color it keeps it simple and relaxes me," he explained.

"I was just doing some research on stuff people do to help clear their mind and not create anxiety more than they need to be and that was a big one. At first I was like, ‘I’m not going to color.’ Then I started doing it and kind of liked it."

So, is it like a kid's coloring book?

"Nooooo ...," he quickly responded, adding, "It’s a cuss word coloring book, so it has cuss words in it and you can color in the cuss words so it’s kind of funny. It’s like a legit coloring book. It has flowers and then it will have a bad word in the middle."

It might not be the method one expects, but it is part of a routine that has proven to reap dividends.

As was evident by his team's spot in the standings, his statistics, and, most notably, the smile he was wielding throughout the 45 minutes of meeting with the media Monday, the plan is bearing fruit.

"I'm proud of myself for keeping it simple," he said. "I know that I can make things bigger than they need to be. That has been a problem for me in the past. I am just happy I have been able to keep my head down and work. That has been my thing, keep my head down, don’t be that big attention person and work. That has been my thing.

"Getting to be with my teammates every day is the highlight of my day. I can’t wait to get to the field and see the boys. That’s what makes me so happy, getting to come to see the guys every day because we have such a great group. I’m very thankful they are a great group I’m very excited to see every day."