Why would adults consider ‘colouring in’ books? Some of us know by now that colouring books are not just for kids, but many wouldn’t consider colouring as an activity for adults. Here are a few reasons it might be for you.

An outlet for stress and anxiety, supporting health

People are increasingly needing ways to de-stress in this fast-paced world. It’s well documented that arts and crafts amongst other creative outlets are a great source of relieving stress and anxiety, which in turn can have beneficial effects on mental and physical health.

We’ve all heard of mindfulness by now. Simple activities like colouring can take the focus off yourself. When focused on simple activities, the brain tends to relax more. It relaxes the brain by refocusing thoughts and attention to the task at hand. It’s not a guarantee for everyone, but it is beneficial for many.

Relaxation

Relaxation is really an extension of the topic above. I personally find colouring very soothing and relaxing. Drawing, painting and jewellery making are a few of the creative practices that I have indulged in, but there is something more soothing and at times even meditative, when it comes to colouring in. It’s easy to get lost in the rhythmic movements of shading and blending colours.
Although there are creative decisions and challenges with colouring, I find colouring way less demanding and therefore more relaxing and often more pleasurable than drawing or developing something from scratch.

Express and develop your creativity

Colouring is a great way to express creativity through colour and colouring techniques. Not everyone can draw, but creativity can also be expressed and developed through the application of colour with a variety of mediums.

Choosing colours and more specifically colour combinations is a creative act in itself. Just ask any painter, graphic or interior designer etc. The more you work with colour, the more you learn which colours you prefer and work best together.

Beyond the choice of colours, the techniques used to apply whichever medium you choose, is absolutely a form of creative expression. The choices made for the direction of strokes, the sensitivity of application, the methods of building up layers and so on, are all ways of revealing ones creativity.

Develop skills and techniques

Like anything, colouring techniques and skills can be kept as simple as you like or developed to a very high, professional level. For example, if you’re aiming for a highly realistic look, this will probably take a lot of practice. Like knowledge, gaining any skill is never a waste.

Do more with your time

In the past, if I wasn’t out, I’d watch programs of some kind at night. I find though, as time goes by, I like to do more with my time. I now choose to do something in addition to watching programs and movies.
While the family chills out their way, I often colour-in or draw etc. It’s not for everyone. Most probably prefer to give a program their full attention, but I feel like I’ve achieved more and I still get to relax.
Other times I enjoy colouring is while listening to music or an audio book etc.

Sense of achievement

I don’t always love or even like the results of a piece I’ve coloured, but when I am happy with my work and surprise myself with what I’ve accomplished, it feels like a great sense of achievement.
You could say this about any activity, but it is worth mentioning and remembering, especially when you’ve spent a lot of time on a piece and/or produced results which you didn’t expect. Achievement is very satisfying!

Just because you love and enjoy it!

One of the mysteries of life is why we do or don’t have a passion or interest for a particular thing. We are naturally drawn to certain activities and sometimes we don’t need a reason or explanation, we simply love and enjoy doing something! That’s good enough for me : )

Reasons I haven’t thought of…

No doubt there are more reasons than I can think of, for taking up the wonderful activity of colouring. You might very well, have your own reason/s. Can you think of any now?

Conclusion

Whatever you gain from colouring, whether it be de-stressing, relaxation and peace, fun and enjoyment, achievement and skills development etc., if there is a benefit, it’s worth it!

And if you haven’t tried colouring before and you’re even slightly curious, I would say give it a go!
For a minimal expense, this hobby can give so much back! A start can be made with a small pack of inexpensive pencils or markers and a book, or even free sheets can be downloaded and printed at home. There should be no reason not to try it out : )

Take a look at our:
Colouring Greetings Cards
Colouring Pages
FREE Colouring Pages

SUMMARY LIST

• An outlet for stress and anxiety, supporting physical and mental health
• Relaxation
• Express and develop your creativity
• Develop skills and techniques
• Do more with your time
• Just because you love or enjoy it!
• Reasons I haven’t thought of…