The Surprising Benefits Of Coloring For Adults

Jan 25, 2022 | Stress Management

Are Coloring Books Actually Good For Adults?

If you’re on this page, then you’ve likely heard about coloring books for adults and are wondering what all the fuss is about…

The Goldbergs Goldbergs618 GIF by ABC Network

Maybe you’ve even heard about some of the mental health benefits and you’re curious if it could be a good way to unwind and de-stress.

Well my friend, you’re in the right place!

Because that’s exactly what we’ll be diving into in the blog, so you can decide whether adult coloring is right for you.

How Exactly Does Coloring Help With Mental Health?

A recent study actually found that mental health conditions like anxiety and depression may be reduced by colouring in for as little as 10 minutes a day.

According to a clinical psychologist at The Cleveland Clinic, adult coloring works to relax the brain by re-focusing your attention.

This in turn allows the brain to enter a sort of “flow state” where your mind is no longer occupied by stressful thoughts.

Much like meditation, this re-focusing of attention over time can help to increase your mental health and overall wellbeing.

The Health Benefits Of Coloring For Adults

It might sound strange to talk about health benefits in relation to coloring.

Especially when coloring is often seen as either a kids activity or one of those “hobbies” reserved for the budding artists of the world.

Adult Coloring In With Pencils

However since the introduction of paint by numbers and other incentives to make coloring more accessible for adults. Psychologists and therapists all over the world are starting to recongize some of the unique health benefits coloring can actually offer.

Here’s just a few of the reasons coloring can be a great new hobby to take up:

Improves Your Quality Of Sleep

Sounds crazy, but here’s how…

There’s been lots of studies done around the negative impact of electronic devices on our sleep.

This is primarily because exposure to the blue light that’s emitted from such devices reduces your levels of the sleep hormone, melatonin.

Unfortunately for a vast majority of the population, the last thing they see at night is either their TV or their phone. This in turn can make it incredibly difficult to get a truly restful sleep.

Coloring on the other-hand, is a relaxing, alternative bedtime ritual that won’t disturb your level of melatonin and is also great for relaxing your mind prior to sleep.

Reduces Stress & Anxiety

As mentioned above, coloring offers many of the same benefits as meditation by re-focusing your attention on something other than your thoughts.

This can help to turn down the amygdala which has a central role to play in your anxiety response. Instead, when coloring, the frontal lobes are activated and take over from the amygdala’s more “reactive” response.

The frontal lobes are responsible for reasoning, thinking, movement, decision-making, and planning.

This in turn allows you to evaluate your emotions, and then use your experiences and judgement to consciously respond from a place of peace.

Improve Your Motor Skills

When coloring detailed drawings like the sketches you’ll find in Porsche Coloring, your motor functions are heavily engaged.

As a result, by practicing this kind of coloring repeatedly over time, it can significantly improve your motor skills and hand-eye coordination, much like training at the gym.

Improves Your Ability To Focus & Pay Attention

It’s no secret that we live in an increasingly distracted society…

One of the great things about coloring books is that they give you the ability to focus on something, without it being too stressful or mentally taxing.

It also engages both sides of the brain since you have the ability to add in a little creative flair whilst still operating within set guidelines.

Over time, this begins to train and improve your ability to focus and pay attention.

A much needed trait in a busy, hectic world.

Adult Coloring Books Vs Kids Coloring Books: What’s The Difference?

Coloring books for adults are not the average book you would buy for your child.

They generally feature a superior quality of paper, highly intricate designs, and more adult themes.

For example, at Newbury Press we stock a range of high quality coloring books for adults that are based on your favourite classic sports cars as well as modern super cars.

Kids coloring books on the other-hand tend to feature much more simple designs and are often based on kids cartoons.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that of course! 😉

What Is Anti-Stress Coloring?

Anti-stress coloring is just a term given to describe the impact coloring can have on relaxing the mind. If you’re looking for a great way to un-wind after a long day, or need a new way to de-stress, coloring could be just the thing you need!

Check out our range of adult car coloring books today.