Colouring isn’t just for kids anymore. More and more adults are picking up colouring books, not just as a hobby, but as a way to unwind, switch off from stress, and even boost their mental health. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, bored, or simply want to try something creative, adult colouring could be just the thing you need.
Why Colouring Is Good for Adults
Adult life can be busy, chaotic, and let’s face it – a bit stressful. Colouring offers a chance to slow down, breathe, and focus on something simple and enjoyable. It’s known to help reduce anxiety by keeping your hands busy and your mind gently occupied. In a way, it’s like a form of meditation – but without the pressure to sit still and clear your mind.
Studies suggest that colouring can help improve focus, creativity, and mood. The repetitive motions and soothing effect of colour blending can create a sense of calm. It’s also a screen-free activity that gives your brain a break from scrolling or working online.
Materials to Get You Started
You don’t need a fancy art kit to enjoy colouring. Here are some popular options that work well for adults:
- Coloured Pencils: Great for detailed pages. Go for soft-core pencils like Prismacolor or Faber-Castell for smooth blending.
- Gel Pens: Perfect for adding pops of colour, sparkle, or metallic finishes.
- Alcohol Markers: These offer bold, smooth coverage – ideal for single-sided pages. (Just remember to pop a blank sheet underneath to prevent bleed-through.) As a newbie I bought a Decotime 60 set and have found that it’s a great set – there are also bigger and smaller sets available both instore and online too depending on the size of the set you plan to start with or if you are adding to your collection.
- Fine Liners: These are brilliant for detailed sections and adding outlines or doodles of your own.
Whatever you choose, make sure you’re comfortable with the grip and flow. Everyone has a favourite!
Colouring Books You’ll Love
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some brilliant and varied adult colouring books to try – from relaxing tropical scenes to cheeky humour:
Tropical Calm: A Mindful Colouring Journey
This one is packed with lush leaves, parrots, and paradise vibes. It’s ideal for bringing some calm to your day while imagining yourself in a sunnier place.
Highland Cows Homeland Adventures
A charming and quirky collection for fans of country life and these shaggy-haired icons. It’s cute, calming and fun to colour.
Full of adorable animal friends in cosy settings – ideal for those chilly evenings when you want to snuggle up with a warm drink and a good colouring book.
This one adds a little sass to your colouring time – perfect if you like your art with a bit of attitude.
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like – funny and a little odd, but in the best way! Great for gift-giving or a giggle on a grey day.
Cosy AF: A Sassy Sweary Colouring Book
Not for the easily offended! If you like your me-time a bit more bold and brash, this one’s for you. It contains a lot of swear words so only buy if you or your intended recipient isn’t easily offended.
Scribblewhimsy’s Ghosts to Colour
Spooky but sweet, this one’s great for Halloween lovers or anyone who enjoys whimsical designs with a supernatural twist.
Final Thoughts
Colouring can be whatever you need it to be – a relaxing moment, a creative outlet, or a break from adulting. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. You don’t need to stay within the lines or make every page look perfect.
If you’re curious to learn more about the joy of colouring, check out our post on colouring on the iPad – ideal for those who want a digital version with less mess.
So go on, pick a book that makes you smile, grab your pencils or pens, and make some time just for you.
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