Adult Coloring Books: 7 Reasons Why You Should Try One Now
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As much as I colored when I was a kid, when I became an adult, I forgot about the activity until someone introduced me to adult coloring books. When I graduated from college and fully became an adult there were tons of things that I looked forward to –owning a home, traveling the world, and getting married. But as I looked forward, I didn’t think about the things that used to bring me joy that I’d be leaving behind. I used to love roller skating, painting, coloring, and word search books. When I became an adult, I no longer made time for those activities in my schedule.
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Then when life started to get more challenging, I wanted to find ways to bring more joy and happiness back into my life.
I went back into my childhood memories and I found the things that I enjoyed which brought me to adult coloring books.
Where is it written that I can’t color if I enjoy it? Where is it written that I can’t learn to draw at my age? Where is it written that I cannot enjoy the hobbies of my childhood even though I’m a full-on adult?
It’s not written anywhere. But, not only that, there is actual scientific research that gives BENEFITS of using Adult Coloring Books. Pick up your markers, your crayons, and your colored pencils. We’re about to dive into all the reasons that adults should still be coloring.
The Benefits of Using Adult Coloring Books
Coloring books for adults have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. While they might seem like a simple pastime, adult coloring books offer a variety of benefits that extend far beyond the page. From stress relief to improved focus, coloring can be a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being. Here’s a detailed look at why adults should consider using coloring books.
1. Stress Relief
One of the most widely recognized benefits of adult coloring books is their ability to reduce stress. Engaging in a repetitive and calming activity like coloring can induce a meditative state. The act of coloring requires focus and mindfulness, which can help to quiet the mind and reduce anxiety.
Scientific Support: Research has shown that coloring can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. A study published in the Art Therapy journal found that individuals who engaged in coloring mandalas experienced significantly reduced levels of anxiety compared to those who simply doodled.
Practical Tip: Set aside 20-30 minutes a day to color in a quiet space. Focus on your breathing and the colors you are using, allowing yourself to become fully immersed in the activity.
Personal Experience: When I’ve been irritated about everyday issues, I’d often go into my library and color or sketch in a book. The goal was never to color the best picture or to have the most elaborate drawing. However, I simply noticed a bit of calm that overcame me when I was coloring and sketching.
2. Improved Focus and Concentration
Coloring requires attention to detail and concentration, which can help improve these cognitive functions. As you focus on staying within the lines and choosing the right colors, your brain is exercising its ability to concentrate on a single task.
Scientific Support: Neuroscientists have found that engaging in activities that require fine motor skills and attention to detail can enhance brain function and improve focus. Coloring activates the parts of the brain responsible for creativity and logical thinking.
Practical Tip: Use coloring as a warm-up activity before tackling tasks that require significant focus, such as studying or working on a project. This can help sharpen your mind and prepare you for more demanding tasks.
Personal Experience: I read somewhere that we can only focus on 5 things at a time. When I’m coloring my brain melts away all of the distractions.
So, when my coloring is complete, I am more focused and am able to concentrate better.
3. Enhanced Creativity
Adult coloring books often feature intricate designs and patterns that require creative thinking to complete. This can stimulate the creative areas of your brain, encouraging you to experiment with colors and patterns.
Scientific Support: Engaging in creative activities like coloring can boost problem-solving skills and foster innovation. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, individuals who engage in creative activities outside of work are more likely to come up with creative solutions in their professional lives.
Practical Tip: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when coloring. Use unconventional color combinations and experiment with different shading techniques. This can help break creative blocks and inspire new ideas in other areas of your life.
Personal Experience: I have used coloring to help me come up with ideas for screenplays or film sets. I’ve also used coloring to help me develop character backgrounds for my novels.
There is something about coloring that allows my mind to wander and come up with creative things.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation
Coloring can be a form of mindfulness meditation. It encourages you to focus on the present moment, which can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. By concentrating on the patterns and colors, you can bring your mind into the here and now, reducing the impact of negative thoughts.
Scientific Support: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and increase overall well-being. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that coloring can induce a meditative state similar to that achieved through mindfulness practices.
Practical Tip: Approach coloring with a mindful attitude. Focus on the sensation of the pencil or marker against the paper, the colors you are using, and the patterns you are creating. Let go of any judgments about your work and simply enjoy the process.
Personal Experience: I have found that coloring slows me down and makes me appreciate the moment. With my work schedule, being a Mom, and being a business owner, I am often on the run. Sitting down with my coloring book and a cup of tea is a game changer for me.
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5. Improved Motor Skills
Coloring requires the use of fine motor skills, which can help improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity. This is especially beneficial for adults as these skills can decline with age.
Scientific Support: Activities that require precision and hand-eye coordination can help maintain and even improve motor skills. Occupational therapists often use coloring as a tool for patients recovering from injuries that affect motor functions.
Practical Tip: Choose coloring books with intricate designs that require more precise movements. This can help keep your fine motor skills sharp and improve your overall dexterity.
Personal Experience: I cannot verify if this is true, but I hope coloring will keep my brain young for as long as possible.
6. Social Interaction
Coloring can also be a social activity. Adult coloring groups and clubs have sprung up in many communities, providing a space for people to come together and enjoy a shared activity. This can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Scientific Support: Social interaction is crucial for mental health. According to research published in the journal PLOS ONE, social engagement can reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline in older adults.
Practical Tip: Join a local coloring club or start one with friends. This can provide a regular opportunity for social interaction and make the activity even more enjoyable.
Personal Experience: When my children were young, I can remember drawing or coloring and encouraging them to come into the library to join me. I have not talked to my adult friends about an adult coloring book group, but maybe that’s something worth trying.
7. Therapeutic Benefits
Coloring can be used as a form of art therapy, helping individuals process emotions and improve mental health. It provides a non-verbal way to express feelings, which can be especially useful for those who find it difficult to articulate their emotions.
Scientific Support: Art therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. A study in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that coloring can help reduce symptoms of PTSD by providing a safe outlet for expression.
Practical Tip: If you’re dealing with emotional challenges, use coloring as a way to express and process your feelings. Choose colors that reflect your mood and let your creativity flow without judgment.
Personal Experience: After years of therapy, my therapist diagnosed me with Complex PTSD in 2022. I had already used coloring, drawing and sketching as part of my “happiness” process, so it was a tool already in my therapeutic arsenal.
I’ve noticed through my therapy that I want to color happier things now –like flowers, landscapes and people who are smiling.
How To Choose the Right Coloring Book
Not all coloring books are created equal. Here are some tips for choosing the right one for you:
Complexity: Choose a book with a level of complexity that matches your preferences.
Some people find intricate designs more engaging, while others prefer simpler patterns.
Theme: Select a book with themes that interest you. Whether it’s nature, animals, mandalas, or abstract patterns, choosing a book you’re excited about will make the experience more enjoyable.
Materials: Invest in good-quality coloring materials. Colored pencils, markers, and gel pens can all provide different effects and enhance your coloring experience.
Self Help love publishes Adult Coloring Books and How To Draw Books to help our community have a stress relieving coloring experience. We focus on simple designs and images that evoke joy and happiness. You can try our books at any time.
Here’s a testimony of how your life could change by using Adult Coloring Books:
I used to be constantly overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. Balancing a demanding job with family responsibilities left me with little time for myself, and I often felt on the brink of burnout. That all began to change when a friend gifted me an adult coloring book.
At first, I was skeptical. Coloring seemed like a childish activity, but I decided to give it a try. The first evening I spent with my coloring book and a set of colored pencils was surprisingly soothing.
As I focused on filling in the intricate patterns, my mind quieted, and my worries seemed to fade away.
Over time, this simple activity became a crucial part of my daily routine. I set aside 30 minutes each evening to color, and those moments became my sanctuary. The repetitive motion and the choice of colors helped me enter a state of mindfulness, where I could let go of the day's stresses and just be present.
The impact on my mental health was profound. My anxiety levels dropped significantly, and I started to feel more balanced and in control. The clarity and calm I gained from coloring carried over into other areas of my life. I found myself more patient with my family and more focused at work.
The creative outlet also reignited a passion for art that I hadn’t realized I was missing.
Adult coloring books didn’t just provide me with a hobby; they gave me a new tool for managing stress and improving my overall well-being. I feel more connected to myself, more peaceful, and more resilient. It's amazing how such a simple activity has had such a positive and lasting effect on my life.
Adult coloring books are much more than a simple pastime; they offer a myriad of benefits that can enhance mental well-being and improve overall quality of life. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting creativity and focus, coloring is a versatile and accessible tool for adults of all ages. Whether you use it as a form of meditation, a creative outlet, or a social activity, coloring can provide a welcome respite from the demands of daily life. So grab a coloring book and some pencils, and start reaping the benefits of this relaxing and rewarding activity.
AI contributed to this article.