Adult Colouring Books
A Simple and Effective Way to Relax Your Brain
Colouring is not just for kids anymore
More and more adults are discovering the benefits of colouring books as a way to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance creativity.
But how does colouring work? And what are the best types of colouring books for adults?
Here are some answers to these questions, based on scientific research and expert opinions.
How does colouring help mental health?
Colouring is a form of art therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that uses creative activities to express and cope with emotions. Art therapy can help people with various mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse. Colouring is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of art therapy, as it does not require any artistic skills or expensive materials.
According to Dr. Scott Bea, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, colouring can help relax the brain in three ways:
- Attention flows away from ourselves. A simple act, such as colouring, takes your attention away from yourself (and those things that are stressing you out!) and onto the present-moment event. This can help you break the cycle of negative thoughts and emotions that can trigger stress and anxiety.
- It relaxes the brain. When thoughts are focused on this simple activity, your brain tends to relax. Colouring can lower the activity of the amygdala, a part of the brain that controls the fight-or-flight response and emotions. Colouring can also induce a state of mindfulness, which is a form of meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
- Low stakes make it pleasurable. Colouring is a low-pressure activity that does not have any rules or expectations. You can colour outside the lines, choose any colours you like, and make mistakes without consequences. This can make colouring a fun and enjoyable experience that boosts your mood and self-esteem.
