According to science, using coloring books will reduce your daily stress levels.
In recent months you may’ve noticed that adult coloring books have surged in popularity. No, seriously, they’ve become really popular. If you’ve taken a look at the bestsellers list on Amazon recently, you may’ve noticed that seven of the top 20 books are coloring books for adults:
Why are adults coloring all of a sudden? Besides the fact that it’s fun, the word is that coloring can relieve stress. “The surge in popularity of adult use of coloring books is likely due to individuals tapping into and spreading the word about the intrinsic healing qualities of art that have served as a benefit to people of all cultures throughout history,” said The American Art Therapy Association in August.
“Since engaging in any form of art can have stress-reducing value, it is no wonder that these sophisticated templates for adult coloring have taken on such great popularity or that there are specific uses when applied in the proper context.”
For Harry Potter fans, there’s even better news: Scholastic has published two official Harry Potter coloring books, and there are three more coming between now and June!
‘Harry Potter Coloring Book’ was released in the fall and became a big hit over the holiday season
It’s collected over 400 reviews on Amazon and it’s the #1 bestseller in children’s coloring books.
‘Harry Potter: Magical Creatures Coloring Book’ quickly followed — it was released in January
Grab it here for less than $10 on Amazon.
“House-elves and merpeople, Cornish pixies and dragons — the wizarding world is populated by an unforgettable cast of magical beings and extraordinary beasts. Filled with detailed illustrations inspired by the Harry Potter films, this coloring book presents the creatures of the Forbidden Forest, the Great Lake, and much more,” says Scholastic. “Relive favorite scenes like Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s escape from Gringotts on the back of a dragon and explore intricate creature-themed patterns in this interactive journey through the wizarding world.”
What’s next for fans of Harry Potter, coloring, and relieving stress? ‘Harry Potter: Magical Places & Characters Coloring Book’ arrives in March
“Explore the many places and characters of the Harry Potter films through the magic of color,” says Scholastic. “From the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall at Hogwarts to the garish tones of the Dursley’s living room, this deluxe coloring book is filled with intricate images that bring fan-favorite wizarding locales to life. With pages of designs inspired by the characters themselves, this coloring book has something for every Harry Potter fan.”
‘Harry Potter Artifacts Coloring Book’ arrives in June
“From wands, potions bottles, and brooms to Voldemort’s Horcruxes and the enchanted textbooks and paintings of Hogwarts, the complex designs in this coloring book offer hours of relaxation and artistic fun.”
And finally, ‘Harry Potter Postcard Coloring Book’
The cheapest one of the bunch priced at about $6, this is a smaller version of the original Harry Potter Coloring Book consisting of 20 postcards. This one arrives in March as well — pre-order here.
Is coloring the world of Harry Potter not enough for you? There are also official coloring books for Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Game of Thrones fans.
Have you found coloring to be a good activity for relieving stress?
In this age of always staring at our phones, computers, and television screens, coloring can also offer a nice break from the digital world.