“This coloring book isn’t too intricate, so it’s fulfilling to be able to have a finished product in a relatively short period of time. The pages are pretty to look at and make me laugh! ” —Ashley S., 41
Highly Recommend
05.02.24
05.02.24
11 Adult Coloring Books That Feel Like a Brain Massage
You’ve gotta see the Schitt’s Creek one.
Wondermind
Whether adult coloring books have always been your thing or you’re just now discovering them, you might be wondering why coloring feels so awesome. I’m so glad you wondered! Coloring is a low-stakes, repetitive activity that soothes by shifting your attention away from stress or anxiety and into the present moment, says art therapist and licensed clinical psychologist Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, ATR-BC. “This [kind of] focus can reduce the presence of stressors in the mind’s landscape, similar to the effects of meditation,” Dr. Harrison adds. Welcome, mindfulness.
As you relax with a colored pencil in your hand, you’re working that creativity muscle without starting from scratch, Dr. Harrison notes. That can seem a lot less overwhelming than other kinds of art projects. The predetermined design and literal boundaries of the pages can also provide a comforting metaphor for control during times when you feel like you’re severely lacking it, adds art therapist Wendy Bradley, ATR-BC, CLAT. “Often, when a person is stressed, overwhelmed, in a state of upset, they feel like their lives may be spiraling. So when they can color in a coloring book, it gives them something concrete,” she explains. They have control over the colors, the pages they choose, and the patterns they create.
Plus, when you set an intention for your coloring session, like taking a break from your thoughts, relaxing, or just expressing your vibe, you can get even more of a mental fitness boost, says art therapist Stella Fischl, ATR-BC, LCAT. Keeping that intention in mind means that if you’re not finding relief, or whatever it is you're looking for, you can switch to a different page, swap markers for colored pencils, or make any other adjustments you might need, Fischl notes.
The benefits of coloring books (in art therapy or outside of it) can go deeper too. In Dr. Harrison’s experience, coloring—and art in general—can help people of all ages, adults included, process and deal with trauma. It does this by regulating your emotions, which is helpful when you’re in the middle of freaking out or on the verge. And it can also enable you to externalize thoughts and feelings that might be too hard to articulate, she says. The process of choosing colors and filling in blank spaces lets you express yourself in a meaningful way without having to talk, Dr. Harrison explains.
Of course, coloring is a kind of play, which means there are literally no rules! Color outside the lines or mark up the margins if you aren’t in it for that control metaphor, says Bradley. “Creativity has no limits. And if it works for you and you feel better doing it, go for it!” she says.
So, without further ado, check out adult coloring book recommendations from art therapists and non-therapists. From intricate layouts that’ll keep you hyperfocused for hours to fun illustrations featuring swear words (f*ck yeah!), these are some of the best ones out there.
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1.AmazonCalm the F*CK Down
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“As a teacher, I like using this watercolor workbook from Emily Lex to paint after a long day. Sometimes I paint in it while listening to music or watching TV as a way to keep my mind and my hands busy. It calms me. I can zone out and just focus on what I’m painting without needing to plan what to paint, which helps my stress levels.” —Amanda G., 25
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3.AmazonSecret Garden
$12.15“My clients appreciate the intricacy of Johanna Basford’s designs. This level of detail requires a focus that can be very therapeutic because it helps them stay in the moment instead of zoning in on their anxious thoughts.” —Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, ATR-BC, clinical psychologist and art therapist
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4.Amazon“Whenever I have something on my mind that gives me anxiety or I feel like I have to escape a chain of uncomfortable thoughts, I turn to this book and start coloring. Focusing on coloring the mandalas keeps my mind calm and present. It also gives me time to myself with no devices around!” —Janani, 21
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5.Amazon“This coloring book is one of my favorites because of Yumi Sakugawa’s unique illustration style: fantastical and multidimensional patterns, shapes, and figures. Also, the relatable affirmations transport me into a calming, meditative state, leaving me feeling joyful and empowered.” —Sofiya Kostareva, LMHC, REAT, expressive arts therapist
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“Using Bobbie Goods coloring books and pages, like these ones here, feels therapeutic because they’re not too detailed and they help me check out of reality for a while. They calm my anxiety by shifting my focus to the colors I’m using and the stroke lines of the markers.” —Dina B., 22
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7.AmazonPocket Room
$7.99“I used to just roll out of bed and log on to work right away, but now I give myself time every morning to actually eat my breakfast while coloring in this coloring book. Having that time allows me to start my day off doing something for me that’s low-pressure. I like books, like this one, with smaller areas to color so I can hyperfocus on staying inside the lines and really get into a great flow.” —Vanni L., 27
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“I like this book because it makes me laugh. At first glance, it’s one thing, but if you take a moment to actually read it, there’s more to it (all the cursing, like, “I’m a mutha fuckin’ narwhal”). It’s the little things, like this, that remind me why life is worth living. Also, coloring in this book brings me back to a child-like state of mind (minus the cursing).” —Jen C., 34
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9.Amazon“Any coloring book with lines from Schitt’s Creek, like this one, brings me joy since the show brings me joy too. I can’t help but love coloring the quotes in.” —Ashley S., 41
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10.Lulu“I use coloring books in sessions with clients to support their nervous system regulation, increase mindfulness, and help them feel comfortable being vulnerable. My clients appreciate this coloring book from Chetna Mehta because the imagery encourages them to practice mindful self-compassion, which can be difficult to do on their own.” —Sofiya Kostareva, LMHC, REAT, expressive arts therapist
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11.AmazonThis coloring book, recommended by Wondermind reader Jojo F., 31, is filled with hilarious commentary you might have thought at work this week. There’s “Some people need a high five in the face with a chair” (relatable!!!) and “That idea is garbage” (relatable x 100). It’s the perfect way to let off some steam during that Zoom meeting that could have been an email.
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
