There’s a new trend in mental health and it doesn’t involve medication or therapy. Adult colouring books are becoming increasingly popular as a way to de-stress and and have been found to have a positive impact on mental health
In this blog post, I will discuss the reasons why adults are using colouring books and how they help improve our mental wellbeing.
The Link between Adult Colouring Books and Mental Health
So why are adults using colouring books? For many, it is a way to reduce their stress levels. In our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time to just sit and relax. Colouring provides a simple way to take a break from the demands of everyday life.
In addition to providing a much-needed break, colouring also has some great mental health benefits.
The act of colouring can be very calming. It has a meditative quality that can help to ease anxiety and promote relaxation. Sitting down with a colouring book and some pencils can be a great way to unwind after a long day.
In fact it is often recommended that people use their colouring book before they go to sleep. This is because colouring is a mindful activity. It requires you to focus on the present moment and be in the moment. This can help to clear your mind of racing thoughts and worry, preparing your mind for sleep. For some people it can prove to be almost therapeutic!
Colouring is also an effective way of exercising different areas of your brain. When you are colouring, you use both the left and right sides of your brain. The left side is responsible for logic and reasoning, while the right side is responsible for creativity and imagination.
As you work on the picture, you left side is activated when you decode the different areas of the picture, while your right side is activated when you choose colours and execute your vision. You are essentially giving your brain a workout without breaking a sweat 🙂
This activity can also help to improve your fine motor skills which in the long term can help prevent the onset dementia.
What to look for when choosing an adult colouring book
Now that you know all the benefits of colouring, you might be wondering what to look for when choosing an adult colouring book.
There are a few things you should keep in mind:
The level of difficulty: If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a simpler book. As you become more confident, you can move on to more detailed books.
The size of the book: If you want to colour on the go, it is best to choose a smaller book. However, if you want to sit down and really get lost in your colouring, a larger book might be better for you.
The type of paper: Some books have thicker pages which are better for gel pens and markers, while others have thinner pages which work well with pencils. Choose the type of paper based on the type of medium you want to use.
Some recommendations
Now that you know all about adult colouring books and their impact on mental health, here are a few recommendations to get you started:
If you have a rebellious streak then I recommend this motivational swear words colouring book 🙂
That said, swear words might not be your thing, in which case you could try The Psalms in Colour – Inspirational Colouring Book with Scripture for Women and Teens
If you like intricate mandalas then you could try Amazing Patterns: Adult Colouring Book, Stress Relieving Mandala Style Patterns
A more whimsical option – Mindfulness Colouring Book For Adults: Zen Coloring Book For Mindful People
Your choice of medium is also important. Pencils are a great option if you want to be able to erase your mistakes.
If you are looking for something more permanent, markers or gel pens might be a better option. Just make sure to choose a book with thicker pages so the ink doesn’t bleed through.
The Takeaway
I hope this blog post has inspired you to try out adult colouring books! If you are looking for a way to relax and de-stress, this might be the perfect activity for you. With so many benefits, it is definitely worth giving it a try!
Happy colouring!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. When you use one of my affiliate links, the company compensates me. At no additional cost to you, I’ll earn a commission, which helps me run this blog and keep my in-depth content free of charge for all my readers.
