Adult Coloring Books- What Wellness Benefits Can We Gain From Using Them?

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Ahhh coloring.  Images of sitting at the kitchen table with crayons strewn about may be coming to mind.  

Stop right there- this isn’t your kiddos’ version of coloring.  No Crayola flakes and cartoon characters here. 

Yes, coloring is fun — but that’s not why it’s so popular with grown-ups. There are specific coloring books made just for us adults — the most effective being those with mandalas and detailed geometric, repeating patterns.

How Does Coloring Help us With Our Wellness?

Studies and doctors agree that coloring does indeed bring about positive health benefits- especially our emotional and mental health. In fact, coloring was used in the early 1900s by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung (founder of analytical psychology) as part of therapy for his adult patients.

Let’s explore the health benefits of using adult coloring books — shall we?  

•  Reduces stress:  An article in the Huffington Post quotes modern-day psychologist Gloria Martinez Ayala, that with the simple act of coloring, “we activate different areas of our two cerebral hemispheres.” This impacts areas involved with coordination and results in a calming effect on the area of the brain that controls stress and emotions. We all need ways to escape for a while.

• Eases anxiety:  You get to switch your mind off from the whirlwind of worrisome thoughts. Your mind can slow down and not be so busy. No worrying about a mistake you made at work, a meeting you have tomorrow, a plane trip you have to take next week, etc. While you’re coloring- your mind is instead focused on the right color to use and how to stay within the lines of very intricate designs.

• Allows you to unplug.  It’s an easy addition to your evening routine to wind down before bed. Some do yoga, meditate, and write in journals- this works to help you be mindful and cleanse yourself from the constant cell phone/device use. Besides, our eyes need a break from so much screen time.

• Ignites creativity. You don’t have to struggle to draw something and worry about being judged on your skills.  Instead, you can freely create beautiful colors that bring the drawing to life.

• It stimulates problem-solving skills. You put a lot of thought into what colors will look right together and what colors will show up in the tiny, intricate areas. You also focus on staying within the lines while you color your masterpiece.

• It encourages the social aspect In group settings, reducing loneliness and sparking interaction with real people. In fact- some nursing homes use this for seniors as they find it’s beneficial for keeping the mind active and fosters a cooperative, social environment when done as a group event.

• It can be part of bonding activities with your child or your gal friends. You can make it fun and have a night in with the girls, drink some wine, and color. It’s a great way to bond, get creative and be girls again. You can also have a fun coloring time with your kiddos and print some for them and some for you. They have free printable coloring pages for kids as well as adults online that you can print. Your kids would probably enjoy having you color along with them.

Coloring Methods: Pencils or Pens?

This is really a personal choice.  But, to help you make a decision, here’s a bit of info:

Pencils are more economical and easy to use.  You can either keep them a bit duller to color larger areas or sharpen them to a point to get in the small detailed areas. With pencils, you can lightly shade or press firmly for a more solid color. 

The colors are vivid and easy to adjust.

If you struggle with your grip at times, you have to apply pressure to get the colors right, and it could cause you some discomfort if coloring for long periods of time.

Here’s a picture that was done using pencils:

Pens — the colors are brighter and more intense.  You don’t have to press as hard. But, the ink can bleed through the paper (bad if there are pictures on both sides).

If you choose pens, make sure they are fine tip or gel. Don’t use the large felt markers.

I tried using pens, and while they work well for smaller areas — they tend to leave pen marks and uneven streaking if you’re coloring larger areas. Plus, depending on the material your coloring on — the page can absorb too much ink. 

I’ve tried pens and pencils- I prefer pencils. They’re less messy, last longer, and are almost as easy as using crayons. 

This is the adult coloring book I used for the butterfly picture above.

There’s also this fun take on coloring “Maybe Swearing Will Help“. Because, yeah-sometimes it does!

You’ll notice that Amazon classifies adult coloring books as “art therapy.”

Free Coloring Resources

Coloring can be a low-cost activity. Print some free adult coloring pages off of Pinterest to see if you like this activity – before spending money on an actual coloring book.  If you do a quick online search, you’ll find countless free printable options.

Crayola even has free printables for adults on their website!  

I came across this great site on Pinterest that offers over 200 FREE printable adult coloring book pages.

Simplify Your Me-Time With Coloring. It Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

For some much-needed me-time, print a page and take it with you to a park. That way, you also get a nice dose of sunshine & nature. Keep your colored pencils in a pencil holder to take them with you without them breaking.  

Have fun.  Coloring reengages you with your inner child.  

You make decisions all day and need a break.  While coloring, the hardest decision you have to make is what colors to use, so it’s a nice break from a difficult day.

Give yourself some uncomplicated, unplugged time with coloring.

Life can be complicated and stressful.  Allow yourself to enjoy the colors on the page and the art you are creating by coloring. 

You may also enjoy:

5 Ways to Tame the Chaos in Your Life

Walk or Roll Your Way to a Better Day – The Wellness Benefits From a Walk or Wheelchair Roll in the Park