Coloring books have seen a major resurgence in popularity among adults in recent years. While often considered a children’s activity, coloring books are being touted for their therapeutic and stress-relieving benefits. With so many adult coloring books on the market, you may be wondering if they’re worth the cost. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of adult coloring books to help you decide.
The Therapeutic Benefits
One of the main reasons adult coloring books have become so popular is because of their reported mental health benefits. Here are some of the ways coloring books can help:
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Improves focus and attention
- Boosts creativity
- Promotes mindfulness and being present
- Helps process emotions
Coloring requires concentration, allowing you to focus on the present moment. This can help calm racing thoughts and relieve anxiety. Coloring also stimulates the parts of the brain responsible for logic, creativity, and fine motor skills. The repetitive motions have a meditative, calming effect on the mind.
Cheap Entertainment
Compared to many other hobbies, adult coloring books are an inexpensive form of entertainment. The average cost of a coloring book ranges from $5-$15. For just the cost of a book, you get hours of coloring enjoyment. Coloring supplies like colored pencils and markers can also be purchased very cheaply. Here’s a breakdown of basic coloring costs:
| Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Coloring book | $5-$15 |
| Colored pencils (12 count) | $3-$5 |
| Markers (8 count) | $3-$5 |
When you calculate how many hours you can spend coloring with one book and set of pens or pencils, it comes out to pennies per hour of entertainment. It’s a hobby that can provide a lot of bang for your buck.
Social Connection
While coloring may seem like a solitary activity, adult coloring books can also help you connect with others. Coloring books are great for spending quality time with your loved ones. Gather friends for a coloring party or exchange finished pages. The rise of social media has also helped coloring enthusiasts connect. You can share your finished pieces and find inspiration in coloring communities. Coloring can provide a sense of belonging.
Promotes Creativity
Coloring is an outlet for your creativity. While some books have intricate designs, others offer blank templates for you to create entirely original pieces. Even coloring printed designs allows you to choose your color palette and decorative elements. Coloring allows you to tap into your creative side and provides a constructive outlet for self-expression. It exercises your creativity muscles in a fun, approachable way with no need for artistic talent.
Variety of Themes
There are coloring books to appeal to almost any interest. Whether you love animals, fantasy, nature, comics, or mandalas, you can find themed adult coloring books. Here are some of the most popular themes and types:
| Theme/Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Flora/Fauna | Flowers, gardens, tropical scenes, animals |
| Places/Travel | Famous sites, cities, countries |
| Fantasy | Dragons, fairies, unicorns |
| Holidays/Seasons | Christmas, Halloween, autumn scenes |
| Patterns/Mandalas | Geometric, paisley, henna, zen |
| Pop Culture | Comics, movies, TV shows |
Having themes that pique your interests can help hold your attention and make coloring more enjoyable. The wide variety of books means you can always find new and interesting designs to fill.
Potential Downsides
While coloring books have many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Can seem childish – Some people see adult coloring as immature.
- Cost can add up – Collecting books and supplies gets expensive.
- Takes time – You need free time to devote to coloring.
- Risk of obsession – Some people get addicted to filling books.
- Messy hobby – Coloring supplies can clutter your space.
- Not socially distant – Hard to color in public or crowded spaces.
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to hobbies. Coloring may not provide the enjoyment or fulfillment you get from other activities. It’s up to you to decide if the pros outweigh any cons that don’t appeal to you.
Tips for Making Coloring Worth It
Here are some tips to get the most out of adult coloring:
- Set a budget – Only buy the supplies you’ll actually use.
- Borrow books – Check out coloring books for free from the library.
- Reuse supplies – Try wet erase markers to color again and again.
- Display pages – Frame or hang finished pieces to enjoy.
- Join groups – Find tips and share your coloring online.
- Color together – Make it quality time with loved ones.
- Use high-quality books – Sturdy paper prevents bleed-through.
Taking steps to color affordably, efficiently, and meaningfully can increase the value you get from adult coloring books.
Conclusion
Coloring books can be a worthwhile hobby for many adults. They provide hours of enjoyable, low-cost entertainment. Coloring has proven therapeutic benefits that help combat stress and anxiety. It also promotes creativity, focus, and mindfulness. While some may see it as childish, coloring is an accessible activity that brings joy to many adults. With caution taken to control costs and clutter, adult coloring books can be an excellent value.
Give coloring a try to see if you find it relaxing and fulfilling. Let your inner creativity flow as you experiment with colors and themes. Approach coloring as calming personal time, rather than worrying about perfect finished products. Get lost in the present moment as you focus on the meditative motions of adding color. If you find the hobby worthwhile, adult coloring can be an excellent addition to your self-care routine.