At Castle Arts, we love coloring – it’s a fun way to get creative, easy to get started, and there’s a themed coloring book or printable sheet out there for everyone. Over the past decade, coloring books have surged in popularity, with millions of people enjoying this fun pastime – but did you know that coloring is more than just a creative hobby?
A growing body of research suggests that there are several benefits of coloring for mental health and overall well-being, and the good news is that you don’t have to be an experienced artist to enjoy them, as anyone can pick up some colored pencils and enjoy a moment of calm. Coloring has been recognized for its ability to soothe negative emotions, offering a unique blend of creative enjoyment and emotional healing.
Read on for eight science-backed reasons why you should try coloring for yourself:
How Coloring Books Double as Art Therapy: 8 Well-Being Benefits
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
One of the most notable benefits of coloring is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that coloring can reduce anxiety levels after just 20 minutes, particularly when coloring in complex shapes or patterns. One Art Therapy article describes how experiments found that, compared to reading, coloring reduced anxiety and improved mindfulness in participating students. A 2020 study showed similar results, with 20 minutes of mandala coloring significantly reducing anxiety.
Focusing on coloring can calm the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls the stress response and is activated by fear. With repetitive activity like coloring, you’re encouraged to focus your attention on the task at hand, letting go of any worries and allowing yourself to feel soothed. Even if you only have a little bit of free time to spare, these moments of stress relief are important to improve overall well-being and maintain a feeling of calm.
2. Helps You Reach a Meditative State
A meditative state is when the mind is focused and in a deep state of relaxation. Coloring can help you find this inner calm by directing your attention to a singular action and encouraging you to focus only on the present moment.
Coloring occupies the logical part of your brain, freeing your mind from the chatter of worries and to-do lists. You become immersed in the activity in front of you, achieving a peaceful state of contentment.
3. Stimulates Both Hemispheres of the Brain
You’ve probably heard of the “left and right brain” – the two hemispheres that control different processes. Coloring activates both the left and right hemispheres of the brain, as choosing colors engages the creative right side, while coloring inside the lines activates the logic-oriented left side. As the two hemispheres communicate with each other, your brain is getting a “full workout”, which can improve cognitive function and problem-solving abilities.
4. Provides a Digital Detox and Could Improve Sleep
If you feel like you’re always on your phone, using your computer, or watching TV, you might benefit from a hobby that lets you unplug. Coloring provides a refreshing opportunity to enjoy a screen-free activity and give your eyes a break from the harsh blue light of your devices, particularly if you’re looking for a way to wind down before bed. Blue light suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel drowsy, so by replacing your smartphone with a coloring book, you may find it easier to fall asleep.
5. It’s an Effective Alternative to Meditation
Meditation has many well-documented benefits, but some people find it challenging to “turn off” their thoughts and reach a meditative state. Coloring can be an easier way to feel inner stillness without the pressure of keeping your mind completely blank, making it a meditative exercise that’s accessible to everyone. Relieve stress through the rhythmic, repetitive motions of coloring and notice benefits similar to those achieved through meditation, with less frustration.
6. Helps Manage Symptoms of Poor Mental Health
Coloring isn’t the ultimate cure for stress, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, but it is a safe and accessible way to manage some symptoms of poor mental health. A study by New Zealand researchers found that coloring books have therapeutic mental health benefits while coloring-in for as little as 10 minutes a day, indicating that coloring can be a valuable complementary tool to help manage symptoms. A 2022 study also showed that coloring combined with conventional therapy in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) could have a mood-boosting effect and better alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
While coloring shouldn’t be considered a replacement for professional treatment for mental health conditions, concentrating on coloring-in can provide a healthy distraction from negative thought loops and the calming effects may ease physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
7. Exercises Your Fine Motor Skills
Filling in the fine details of an intricate coloring page can help maintain and even improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Activities like coloring, puzzles, and brain games promote cognitive function and stimulate the brain, improving memory and concentration. Some research even suggests that art therapy may help delay the onset of dementia by keeping the brain active and preserving mental functioning.
8. Fosters a Sense of Accomplishment
Completing a coloring page makes you feel good and provides a real sense of accomplishment. Feeling pride in your finished work is an excellent mood booster and can have a positive impact on self-esteem, especially for anyone who feels like they “aren’t very creative” or experienced at art. Watching a design come to life through your hard work is an extremely satisfying experience and will motivate you to keep creating.
Start Your Coloring Journey with the Amazing Butterflies Coloring Book
If you're ready to experience the calming benefits of coloring for yourself, our new Amazing Butterflies Coloring Book is the perfect place to start. This stunning coloring book features 72 pages of intricate butterfly designs, plus full-color reference images to inspire your creativity and fully immerse yourself in the meditative experience. Enjoy countless hours of peaceful coloring and let your worries fly away while you lose yourself in a quiet world of creativity.
Coloring is a simple yet powerful way to carve out some “me-time”, reduce stress, and give your brain a chance to relax and recharge. By incorporating this fun, creative outlet into your self-care routine, you’ll enjoy several benefits for your mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
Excited to get started? Browse our full collection of coloring books and find your ultimate companion in stress relief and creative expression.
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