Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relief Or Just A Fad? [Poll]

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But, do adult coloring books really help relieve stress or are they just a fad this year?

According to a published study "Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association" a decade ago, coloring has some positive psychological effects.

In the study, 84 college students were tasked to color a blank page, a plaid design or the mandalas that are trends in adult coloring after measuring their anxiety levels.

The study found that those participants who colored plaid and mandala patterns had reduced anxiety levels compared to the group who only colored blank pages.

A follow-up study was conducted and it was found that coloring mandalas had the same effect, but plaid designs did not, according to USA Today.

Recently, Lindsay Tiger of Shape described her experience with adult coloring books and mentioned that it relieved stress and made her forget about everything else.

Tiger relayed that coloring made her ignore her iPhone, apps, text messages and even block out the background noise from the TV.

Once she feels drowsy, she falls asleep easily and wakes up the next day feeling inspired and creative.

Despite feeling mentally refreshed, there was a catch: fingers would hurt from all the coloring and making sure the colors stay inside the lines. Nevertheless, she attested that the activity gives her a mental break.

Tiger is only one of the many people who agree that adult coloring book has stress busting abilities.

In another report from Wall Street Journal, it was mentioned that a 49-year-old mom of two got so absorbed in coloring the wonderful designs that she almost forgot she had a glass of wine to drink. The mother and her friends all agree that coloring is an activity that effectively reduces stress, the WSJ continued.

While many people find that adult coloring book can ease their mind, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) advises that the activity is not intended for those who just experienced trauma, USA Today gathered.

The association released an official statement explaining how coloring books can be used "for pleasure and self-care," but they shouldn't replace professional therapy services.

AATA president Donna Betts said that it's a good thing if coloring would remind people to appreciate art. She also thinks that maybe people get the reaction they have from adult coloring books because these days, most people spend too much time facing their screens.