FIVE BENEFITS OF COLORING BOOKS FOR GROWN UPS

It’s become difficult to walk through a bookstore, the aisles of a craft store or past the magazine rack at the checkout counter and not see one of those coloring books for grown up. I initially smirked at them, but eventually I caved in and bought one. Now I’m hooked! Coloring is my go-to activity to unwind after work or to make me feel “productive” while watching reality TV.

I did some research and now I feel better about justifying my new “hobby” to those of you who are still smirking at the concept. Here are a few reasons you may want to buy a coloring book and some colored pencils of your own.

1. REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY

Coloring is a great way to de-stress. Carl Jung was one of the pioneering scientists who studied the therapeutic benefits of coloring pages for adults dating as far back as the early 1900’s. There is now a vast body of research that supports the theory that adult coloring reduces stress and anxiety and in some instances is used as therapy for a variety of mental disorders and physical diseases.

2. SHARPENS YOUR FOCUS

Focusing on coloring between the lines requires just enough concentration to keep your mind from wandering, but that task isn’t demanding enough to be stressful. Coloring can also sharpen vision and fine motor skills since it engages both hemisphere of the brain.

3. INTRODUCES YOU TO NEW ARTISTS

There are some great coloring books out there! Here a few of the ones I love by: Sherrill Defoe, Andrea Pippins & Lisa Congdon

4. IT’S A GREAT WAY TO BE SOCIAL

Although it seems like the perfect activity for introverts, coloring is quickly becoming a popular group activity. Get a few bottles of wine, some snacks and invite your favorite crafty chicks (or guys) over for a coloring party. Sounds corny, but it’s fun. Trust me

5. SPARKS YOUR CREATIVITY

Relaxing and experimenting with different color combinations and patterns can spark creativity in other areas of your life. Not only may you start coordinating outfits or picking paint colors for your living room with greater ease, you may also find yourself taking a more creative approach to analytical tasks at work.

Are you a believer?

Photo sources: Sherrill Defoe, Andrea Pippins, Lisa Congdon