What's The Hype with Adult Colouring Books?

Colouring books are no longer just for kids. These books are now designed for adults too. They are not the simple drawings that a kid would colour. The designs are intricate and developed to challenge your creativity.

Some of those who have enjoyed this trend are adults who never outgrew colouring books, and others are people who picked it up again. Adults no longer have to scour the kid's shelves for a good colouring book. Some are designed with elements and details that were much more enticing to share with other adults.

Maybe you are here because you are excited to try colouring in yourself. Check out my Bird Colouring-in Printable sheets here and start your creative journey from the comfort of your home.

Over the last few years, sharing your colouring in pages has become a social affair. There are many Instagram and Facebook groups dedicated to those who are passionate about it.

So, let's take a peek into why they have become so popular because the trend doesn't seem to be going away.

Nostalgia of Childhood

Colouring is a fun and relaxing activity. No wonder we enjoyed it as kids. Adult colouring pages bring back the same unbridled joy you used to have as a kid. The simplicity of the activity in a word of chaos is why many people are so drawn to it.

Spark Creativity

While you are colouring in, your mind has the chance to unwind and relax. This mental freedom allows your mind to wander and make connections that you did not think were possible.

The pressures of adult life can seem burdensome. But connecting with your playful and curious side can spark creativity and pleasure.

Exercises the Entire Brain

Colouring might seem simple, but it exercises your entire brain! Colouring in doesn't just activate the creative, right side of your brain. It also works the frontal lobe for concentration and focus. When you choose colours, you are problem-solving and working on the left logical side of your brain. You are also working on your fine motor skills.

Can be a Form of Meditation

Colouring in can be used as a meditative tool to relax and focus on the moment. Easy tasks with predictable results, such as colouring or knitting, are calming.

Dr Rodski, a neuropsychologist and neuroscientist, developed several colouring books for adults after realising in his practice that it helped adults relax. Those who struggled to get into a calm state with traditional meditation techniques saw changes in heart rate and brainwaves when colouring.

An Act of Self-Care

Choosing to relax is an act of self-care. The simple act of colouring takes attention away from yourself and your worries. Thoughts of bills, deadlines, your boss, an argument with a spouse, etc., can all drop out when you colour. So go on and indulge yourself with your favourite colouring books and materials.

Trains your brain to focus

Colouring requires you to focus on the task at hand but not so much that it is stressful. It opens up your frontal lobe, which works the organising and problem-solving parts of your brain. When you put everything else aside and live in the moment, you will have a better capacity for focus.

Gives you a chance to be social

Laughter and fun are certainly one of the keys to better mental health. As mentioned earlier, many online groups share and encourage others who enjoy colouring. In some cities, you might find Colouring Parties where people gather to sip wine and socialise.

Can be therapeutic

Colouring in can be therapeutic and reduce stress. It helps to improve mood and enhance mindfulness. In a study, participants were engaged in colouring independently and in a studio with an art therapist. Both situations helped to reduce stress. However, those who worked with an art therapist had significant improvement in their self-perceptions and positive mood.

Colouring is therapeutic but is no replacement for therapy. If you do enjoy an artistic activity and want to improve your mental health, consider seeking an art therapist.

You don't have to be an expert

The beauty of colouring-in books is that there is no prerequired skillset. You can come up with a beautiful image without being an artist. Perhaps the last time you picked up a colouring pencil was when you were a kid. That's okay because it's hard to mess up a colouring-in page, and the stakes are so low.

Completing a sheet is so rewarding when you see the finished product that's unique to your abilities. The instant gratification you feel fills you with a sense of accomplishment and positivity.

Gadget-free time

Colouring in allows you to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with your family. As you enjoy your colouring in, you can encourage your kids to participate in a 'gadget-free hour'. Doing such activities with your family can bring more mindful moments together. You can bond over the things you create.

If you're ready to start coloring some nature-inspired bird designs, check out my bird coloring printables and start your creative journey from the comfort of your home.