The Creative Comfort of Coloring

Raise your hand if adult coloring books are one of your go to creative outlets. 🙋‍♀️

...Or maybe you have one sitting on your shelf, just waiting for you to eventually pull out and creatively indulge yourself in? These days it seems like they're everywhere - so what's with the coloring book craze?

Is there really a benefit to coloring for grown ups? 
With a little digging, here's the scoop... 

According to Dr. Scott Bea from the Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, coloring pulls our attention away from stress and onto something simple in the present moment. Coloring takes our focus off ourselves for a bit. Much like meditation, it can give our mind a break from endless worrying or negative thinking. 

Research supports the idea that coloring can be calming in several ways:

1️⃣ It gives your brain a breather. When you're focused on coloring, your thoughts have a chance to chill out. You're not as bothered by typical stresses when your brain is occupied by an enjoyable, yet repetitive task.  Ah, sweet relief!

2️⃣ There's less pressure than other creative activities. Go ahead, color outside the lines! Coloring is flexible and unlike other types of creativity, there's no right or wrong way to do it. You can't really mess it up. Hello, freedom! 

3️⃣ It can bring back happy memories. Coloring taps into nostalgia and the idea of simpler moments. Just like listening to your favorite throwback jams, it can remind you of sweet, carefree times. Sounds soothing!

Studies show art therapy can decrease symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Though research specifically on adult coloring is limited, early findings suggest it may create a meditative state to reduce anxiety.

Utilizing the creative process of making art to improve mental health and well-being, art-therapy is an established psychological method of treatment. Art-therapy can help people express themselves imaginatively, engage in a healing activity, and build self-awareness, and has  been used successfully for many years to help people coping with conditions like depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, trauma, and chronic illness.

Although coloring books themselves aren’t a substitute for professional therapy, the mindfulness practice of coloring does seem to tap into some of the same benefits as art therapy. 

In our high-pressure world, we're always looking for new stress relievers. Coloring could be just the ticket to help you chill out and recharge.

Beyond just relaxing the mind, engaging in art and creativity can be nourishing for our soul and sense of self. Through art, we can tap into our imagination, get in touch with hidden feelings, and exercise our creative muscle.

Even if you don't consider yourself an "artist," you can still benefit from making something visually beautiful. Coloring allows anyone to access that creative outlet without needing special skills.

Doodling intricate designs or filling in detailed patterns can satisfy that human longing for personal expression. It's like scratching a creative itch you never knew you had!

​Artistic activities feed our spirits.

They remind us that we each have unique inner worlds waiting to be uncovered. So now, why not break out the crayons, colored pencils, or markers and let your creative flag fly, friends! Making art isn't just good for reducing stress - it's food for your soul.

When you're ready to dip your toes into the comfort of coloring, be sure to visit our shop and browse our unique coloring books for adults.

We have downloadable versions that you can print page by page, or links to our coloring books available to purchase on Amazon. We would love to contribute to your joyful, creative, coloring adventure!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to grab my colored pencils and markers and get coloring!

What do you think - are you down to color with me?
​Let me know in the comments!

Use our affiliate links to our coloring books below! We have more available in our shop too!