Color Your Way to Calm: How Adult Coloring Books Help Reduce Stress

August 19, 2025

A Childhood Habit...Rediscovered

Coloring has long been associated with childhood—just a looking at a box of Crayola crayons and a coloring book brings back memories for many of us. But in recent years, coloring books have become popular among adults as a way to not only enjoy a simple creative activity, but to help calm and soothe the nervous system.

In 2015, Stress Relieving Patterns, a coloring book for grown-ups, made the New York Times bestseller list after millions of adults turned to coloring as a way to unwind. Since then, a wide variety of coloring books for the over 18 crowd have hit the market, from intricate mandalas to nature scenes and botanical designs.

Why Coloring Calms the Mind

After taking up the habit, people realized that coloring made them feel calmer and more at ease. The response in the brain is similar to meditation—it reduces outside noise and allows for more focused attention. Concentrating on shapes and colors helps people quiet mental chatter and experience a sense of flow.

According to Your Brain on Art, studies show that coloring helps with stress for several reasons:

• It’s a structured task, offering a sense of control and order amid life’s chaos
• It’s easy to do and requires no special skills
• It’s portable and can be done anywhere

I would add that it's an activity that sparks individual creativity—which is generally a mood booster. You can choose colors and make marks on your coloring pages that reflect your own feelings and personal style.

Coloring for Sleep and Brain Health

Coloring offers sleep and brain health benefits as well. According to Martin Taylor of WebMD, "Some health professionals believe that coloring not only engages motor skills but can even help delay the onset of dementia." Additionally, it relaxes the brain and improves sleep—especially if it is used as a way to wind down before bed. Replacing nightly scrolling with some quiet time coloring can be a simple way to support your mental well-being and prepare for a good night's sleep.

Beyond Coloring: Zentangle and Mindful Patterns

Zentangle is a method of creating images by drawing a series of structured patterns with a combination of dots, lines, and curves. These repetitive designs are another form mindful drawing, which can bring calm and relaxation by paying attention to each stroke and not worrying what comes next. In the end, a beautiful design comes to fruition, fueling confidence and creative fires.

Do you want to start a coloring or Zentangle habit?

✔️ Choose a coloring book that speaks to you and get some colored pencils or markers you love

✔️Or look into Zentangle resources and start your first pattern

No pressure, just ease into it and enjoy!

Author: Katie Weaver

Resources:

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us
(not an affiliate link, just for you!)

Interested in Coloring? 7 Benefits of Coloring for Adults

What Is It? – Zentangle

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