Once seen as a childhood hobby, coloring has found its way back into adult life, but this time, with purpose.
Over the past few years, coloring books have surged in popularity among adults making it more than a nostalgic activity. In an age where there is constant digital stimulation, many people are turning to coloring as a way to unplug, refocus and unwind. Studies suggest that coloring can reduce stress, ease depression and anxiety, improve motor skills, help you sleep and promote mindfulness, according to Healthline.
Unlike doom scrolling on social media or watching TV, coloring forces your mind to focus on what you’re doing while simultaneously allowing your mind to relax.
The Mayo Clinic states that focusing on color choice and staying inside the lines permits you to block off external distractions and instead focus your mind on the movement of your coloring tool and emotions in the present moment.
Taking part in mindful crafts is not a new phenomenon, but it has gained traction in recent years. As more people seek ways to cope with overwhelming aspects of their life, simple activities like knitting, coloring, sewing and drawing have become powerful tools to combat negative feelings.
Coloring in particular stands out because there’s no pressure to make it perfect. The art is already on the page, all you have to do is choose the colors and apply them in a way that you enjoy. The way I see it, it’s not about how the end result will look, it’s about how you feel along the way.
Over the past year, I’ve seen creators on TikTok taking basic coloring pages and turning them into frame-worthy art with high-quality brush pens and a little bit of creativity.
By far, the most famous coloring books among these influencers are those of the brand Bobbie Goods. Within these pages are comforting designs of animals in a playful style.
What sets Bobbie Goods apart is its emphasis on simplicity instead of intricate mandalas or hyper-realistic landscapes that many adult coloring books contain today. Many TikTok users reimagine these pages by experimenting with shading techniques and textures to elevate the pages. Some add extra details with gel pens to make the work pop, proving coloring can be as advanced or as simple as you want it to be.
Creators often livestream coloring sessions so viewers can find inspiration, discover new coloring methods or design techniques. These streams create a sense of community where people bond over something so uncomplicated, yet so meaningful.
I’ve found that when I sit down to color, I can step away from my usual distractions and focus on what I’m doing in that current moment. Even if it’s only for a short while, I tune into the process and clear my mind for the time being instead of worrying what I need to do the next day or getting caught up in rotating through Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok.
The window of time I carve out for coloring every day brings a sense of calm and allows me to ground myself in ways that other activities don’t. Coloring, in its simple form, has become a method of meditation for me, reminding me to slow down and focus on the page in front of me.
As an adult, coloring is no longer about staying in the lines or creating a flawless piece of art. It’s about embracing the process, expressing yourself and finding a space of relaxation in an otherwise busy world.
Creativity doesn’t need to be complicated — sometimes all it takes is a few markers and an open mind.
