Fanny packs aren’t the only things making a comeback these days. Coloring books are back—but in a grown-up way. Adult coloring books are drawing attention. Coloring books bring back feeling of childhood play, when things were less stressful. Get ready to scribble and smile, amateur artists: We have some printable pages for your colored pencil pleasure. But before you fill in the lines, learn how coloring can benefit y-o-u:
1. Soothes Stress
Adult coloring removes focus from stressful feelings and re-centers them in a productive and positive way. The act of coloring can feel meditative, and completing a page brings feelings of accomplishment.
2. Alleviates Anxiety
Like coloring, fear of the dentist isn’t just for kids. About 60% of adults experience extreme dental phobia and avoid visiting the dentist. Anxiety levels dropped when adults began coloring, according to one study. Dentists and doctors are even adding pages to their waiting rooms to provide stress relief to patients.
3. Spreads Smiles
Colors have an impact on our brains and our moods, so why not add a little boost of color in your life? The act of coloring can help us relax, while using colors we enjoy can feel calming.
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*Updated June 2020