Coloring is not just for kids anymore. Adult coloring books has become one of the hottest new hobbies. From just a million sales in 2016 to about 12 million, last year. They're considered a form of relaxation.
Does it really work? Millions of adults are busy coloring inside the lines and adult coloring books have become so popular they've driven sales of colored pencils up by 26 percent. Experts say what used to be child's play actually makes a lot of sense for adults too.
Doodle Art Adult Coloring Book
“One of the things that I think adult coloring books can do and there are other things that serve the same purpose, is it pulls you out of your head and into what you're doing,” says Dr. Joseph Rock, a Cleveland Clinic psychologist.
He believes coloring provides stress relief that you can't necessarily get from passive activities like watching TV. The intricate patterns and colors provide distraction and make it more difficult for your mind to wander back to whatever it was that was bothering you. Coloring requires focus, but in a way that isn't stressful.
They’re somewhat intricate, so you have to pay attention to what you're doing as opposed to getting preoccupied with other things. Coloring has also become a social outlet for some. With events and clubs popping up across the world, finally there is the satisfaction of seeing your finished product. You're accomplishing something so when you're done you have something to show for If coloring still isn't your cup of tea, you can find similar benefits from crossword puzzles activities or quilting cross stitch. Or just shooting hoops in the backyard, anything that requires focus but doesn't increase your stress will work.