Life has a way of piling things on, doesn’t it? Whether it’s work, family obligations, or just the chaos of the everyday, stress can feel like an unwelcome guest that overstays its welcome. But what if I told you that something as simple as picking up a colored pencil or marker could help ease that pressure? Sounds a bit oversimplified, right? But for many, coloring isn’t just a childhood pastime, it’s a way to unwind and reclaim a sense of calm.
Let’s explore how coloring could help with stress relief, why so many people swear by it, and how you can incorporate this creative activity into your life.
Coloring for adults: Is it a thing?
When someone hears "coloring," they probably think of crayons and kids coloring books... But coloring books for adults have become hugely popular in recent years. They feature intricate designs, beautiful patterns, and themes that appeal to grown-ups, like mandalas, florals, cute animal scenes and calming nature scenes.
For many adults, coloring is an accessible, non-intimidating way to tap into creativity. Unlike painting or sketching, which can sometimes feel daunting, coloring requires no special skills or equipment. All you need is a design you like and a set of coloring tools... simple, right?
Personally, I randomly stumbled upon the coloring community on Instagram. After a particularly stressful time, I decided to give it a shot. I got some felt-tip pens, picked up a friend's IPad and sketched a cute scene with my two cats Poki and Kiwi. I printed the scene and a day later I colored it. By the time I finished, I wasn’t worrying anymore — I was too focused on which shade of pink to use next.
How Coloring Could Help Ease Stress
Here’s where it gets interesting: many health professionals believe that creative activities like coloring might have a calming effect on the mind.
In an article called "Coloring is good for your health" published by the Mayo Clinic, it says:
"Coloring is a healthy way to relieve stress. It calms the brain and helps your body relax. This can improve sleep and fatigue while decreasing body aches, heart rate, respiration, and feelings of depression and anxiety. Although coloring isn't the ultimate cure for stress and anxiety, sitting down for a long coloring session holds great value. As you color, pay attention to your breathing rhythm, ensuring steady, full breaths from your diaphragm, and tune into your heart rate periodically if you can."
It also says that embracing the imperfect is another benefit of coloring books for adults:
"There's no right or wrong way to color. Coloring is a noncompetitive activity, so there isn't pressure to "level up," win a prize or beat the clock."
The Science of Coloring and Stress Relief
Coloring engages several parts of your brain, including the areas responsible for focus, decision-making, and motor skills. This combination could make it a gentle yet effective way to interrupt negative thought patterns. Many people report, that having a creative hobby, that is not competitive helps them to relief stress. But what does the research say?
In a 2017 study called "Sharpen Your Pencils: Preliminary Evidence that Adult Coloring Reduces Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety" researchers tested the outcome of daily coloring vs logic-based puzzles with female students. They came to the conclusion that:
"Coloring participants showed significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety after the intervention, but control participants did not."
Of course, everyone’s experience is different. What feels relaxing to one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. If you’re dealing with stress or anxiety, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best course of action.
However, if you're looking for an easy and relaxing hobby, there are many things pointing to the possibility that coloring could help you relax and practice mindfulness.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Stress-Free Coloring
If you’re ready to give coloring a try, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Choose a Design You Love
Start with something that resonates with you. Maybe a calming winter scene, a playful animal, or a detailed mandala. Maybe a coloring sheet design by us will spark your imagination? - Set the Mood
Create a cozy environment. Light a candle, grab a cup of tea, and play soft music if it helps. - Focus on the Process
Don’t worry about finishing or "getting it right." Pay attention to how the pencil feels in your hand, the texture of the paper, and the colors blending together. - Tune into Your Senses
Take a deep breath. Notice the sound of the pencil scratching the paper or the faint scent of the markers. These small details can make the experience even more grounding. - Take Breaks as Needed
If your mind starts to wander or you feel restless, that’s okay. Coloring isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving yourself a moment of peace.
My Personal Experience with Coloring and Stress
Coloring as an adult feels a bit nostalgic for me, as I was always a kid who loved coloring. For me, it’s the perfect combination of relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity. After completing a coloring page, I even hang it up on my walls. It’s a little reminder that I’ve accomplished something creative and uniquely mine.
More often than not, creative hobbies tend to take a backseat as we grow older, overshadowed by responsibilities and busy schedules. But I truly believe that finding time for creativity, in any form, is an important part of personal well-being. Coloring, for me, isn’t just about filling in shapes, it’s about giving myself permission to be creative.
Who Might Benefit from Coloring?
While coloring isn’t a cure-all, it’s a versatile activity that many people find relaxing and calming. It’s especially appealing for:
- Busy Professionals: A quick way to reset after a hectic day.
- Parents: A relaxing activity to share with kids or enjoy solo after bedtime.
- Seniors: A low-pressure, creative outlet that engages the mind and hands.
- Friend Groups: A coloring party with friends is so much fun!
Could Coloring Be Your New Go-To for Relaxation?
So, can coloring help with stress relief? For some people, the answer is yes. It’s simple, affordable, and—most importantly, it’s fun. Whether you’re dealing with stress or just looking for a creative escape, coloring might be worth a try.
Of course, everyone’s needs are different. If you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. But if you’re looking for a gentle, accessible way to unwind, grab some pencils, find a design you love, and start coloring.
Who knows? You might just find that this simple activity becomes your favorite part of the day.
