Coloring books are back—but in a grown-up way. And these new bestselling books are drawing attention. 12 million adult coloring books were sold in 2015, according to Nielson.
Get ready to scribble and smile, amateur artists: We have some printable pages for your colored pencil pleasure. But before you fill in the lines, learn how coloring can benefit you:
Adult coloring removes focus from stressful feelings and re-centers them in a productive and positive way.
Like coloring, fear of the dentist isn’t just for kids. 20% of adults experience enough anxiety to avoid visiting the dentist. Anxiety levels dropped when adults began coloring, according to a 2005 study. Dentists and doctors are even adding pages to their waiting rooms, in hopes of calming patients.
Though no formal studies have been conducted, coloring enthusiasts claim that coloring makes them feel happier and mentally clearer.