Who says coloring books are only for kids? This activity can definitely be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Don’t worry, you’re not just limited to coloring pictures of princesses, castles, superheroes and other childish designs. Nowadays, you can find a massive selection of coloring books with unique and intricate designs to have fun with.
But there’s so much more than just having fun and expressing creativity as you color. Today, let’s dig in deeper into how boomers can benefit from this activity mentally, intellectually and emotionally (plus a list of adult coloring books you might like).
It can relax and exercise your brain at the same time.
Just like meditation, coloring has a calming effect as you zone out and focus on the activity rather than unnecessary thoughts clouding your mind. At the same time, coloring utilizes all hemispheres of your brain. From choosing the right colors to making sure that you don’t go out of the line, you really get to exercise your brain as you work to make the picture aesthetically pleasing.
It can strengthen your motor skills.
Losing muscle coordination and control in hands and arms is a normal part of aging. With coloring, you get to exercise your muscles and enhance your dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
It can ward off stress, depression and anxiety.
In relation to its benefit of relaxing the brain, you get to take off your mind off your problems, fears, pain and all other negative thoughts. It’s definitely a powerful tool for your mental health.
It can provide social opportunities.
Coloring alone can still be a pleasurable solo activity but you can even make it more enjoyable by coloring with the company of others – whether with your friends, family members or people from your neighborhood. There are even several Facebook groups dedicated for members who share the same passion (search Facebook for “colorists” or “coloring” or “mandala”). Speaking of family members, this can also be the perfect past time to bond more closely with your grandkids.
Here are some of the Facebook groups we follow (there are many more!):
Prior to 2013, the coloring book business was focused on children, featuring simple designs that were easy for children. In 2013, a lady named Johanna Basford introduced “Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book,” which was an immediate hit with adults worldwide. It still sells nearly 2000 (!) copies a month. The coloring book business is still growing exponentially. If you think you would like to try your hand at producing and selling adult coloring books, check out Coloring Art Designs for an overview of this lucrative business, a system of starter designs you can use, and information on how to produce and sell your coloring books.
About Toni Marie
Toni is a contributing author. In addition to writing about the Baby Boomer generation, she also likes to write about relationships and health.
