Move aside, Strawberry Shortcake and Thomas the Tank Engine. Coloring books aren’t just for kids anymore You may have noticed there’s a new breed of coloring books with sophisticated designs and patterns being marketed to adults.
What you may not know is that filling in those detailed designs and complicated fractals can actually be good for your health.
According to a University of Florida Health art therapist, this fad reminds us that art is good for all ages.
The therapist, Amy Bucciarelli [BOO-CHER-ELL-EE], said people benefit from making and looking at art. The popularity of adult coloring books makes it more socially acceptable for adults to take a break and color.
Coloring can help you relax because it can be an outlet for mindfulness, making you more aware of your breathing while also being a soothing activity. It offers a mental break from day-to-day stresses.
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, coloring can even make you feel good. Researchers found that elderly adults who participated in creative activities had fewer health problems than those who didn’t.
Adults who color also may feel successful. When you finish your project, Bucciarelli noted, there is a sense of accomplishment.
However, she said it’s important to remember that adult coloring books aren’t a replacement for counseling, therapy or medical treatment. Coloring books shouldn’t displace more open and rich creative experiences, such as creating an original piece of art, playing music or writing a poem.
When you need a quick mental vacation from the strains of work, school and family, coloring could be your escape. When you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, take a break and a color inside the lines.