When we were children, we were often given colouring in as an activity. But as we get older, it is often seen as an activity that is no longer suitable for us. 

Of course, in recent years this perception has shifted considerably and there are now a wide variety of colouring books available that are aimed at adults as well as children. 

This is because we have started to recognise the mental health benefits of colouring and now better understand how it can help to not only calm our minds after a busy day, but also support those who suffer with anxiety or depression. 

One study found that, when combined with traditional therapy, colouring had a positive effect on participants’ moods.

How often do you need to colour in to feel the benefits?

One of the great parts of using coloring in to support your mental health is that you do not need to spend hours every day doing this activity – unless you want to of course. 

You can feel the benefits of this activity after as little as 15 minutes, which means it can be very easy to slot into your day. 

One of the reasons why colouring is so good at helping calm our minds is that it occupies enough attention that we don’t ruminate, but not so much that we’re thinking hard. Colouring in is also a good way to practice mindfulness and ensure you’re in the present moment. 

How do you get started with colouring as an adult?

Another benefit of colouring is that it is very accessible. If you’re looking for an affordable way to get started, a colouring book PDF download is an excellent option. 

This gives you the option to colour digitally if you would prefer, although many recommend using physical materials. Simply print out the page or pages that most appeal to you and go from there.