This week we’re exploring the Coloring Book Craze! Why are they so popular? Can they really help you to relax?

Studies have shown that coloring books and coloring pages can be extremely therapeutic, and has been compared to the benefits that one gets from meditation. It must be working; adult coloring books have taken over the publishing industry, and have skyrocketed to the best-seller list.

You can’t walk into a brick-and-mortar bookstore without seeing a table filled with coloring books for adults.

In the video below, Katie Couric talks about how adult coloring books have become a phenomenon. It started in the U.K., then to France, but has quickly spread globally. Coloring parties are even popping up in bars!

Just a few of the benefits of coloring books:

* Coloring has been shown to have stress-reducing benefits

* Increases focus and creativity

* Provides opportunities for social time

* Alternative to meditation

Check out this list of 10 Therapeutic Benefits of Coloring Books for Adults from color-meanings.com for a more in-depth discussion of the benefits.

Links to articles about Adult Coloring Books

Here’s an interesting article about the Health and Brain Benefits of Adult Coloring Books from Wellness Mama.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/therapeutic-science-adult-coloring-books-how-childhood-pastime-helps-adults-356280

4 Benefits of Adult Coloring Books

If you’d like to purchase some coloring books and give it a try yourself, we’d love you to take a look at this link to the Adult Coloring Book page on Amazon.

Here are some favorites:

And lest you think they are all butterflies and unicorns, here are a couple that are definitely more “adult”.

And last but not least, you’ll need some colored pencils and a sharpener.