I don’t know if it’s because I err on the sensitive side or because I’m just self-absorbed enough to think that I’m the only one who feels this way, but I sometimes get the sense that I don’t always deal with stress as effectively as other people do. I am aware of the existence of plenty of healthy, productive outlets that help the average human cope with the weight of everyday life—exercise, journaling, meditation, I’ve heard it all. I just have never been able to find one that suits me.
When I impulse ordered a bunch of the best-selling “adult coloring books” off Amazon (don’t even ask me how much money I put toward this risky investment), I didn’t have all that much interest in their “stress-relieving,” “meditative” claims. I just wanted to buy some brightly colored markers and scribble in some mandalas, because I’m an adult, and as an adult I have every right to find sublime joy in childlike activities. That’s how adulthood works, right?
OK, so those claims—and the positive reviews backing them up—might have been the catalyst that drove me to hit Checkout rather than just Add to Cart. There’s also the fact that, for whatever reason, adults are into coloring books right now more than ever, with mental health experts even recommending them as a means of reducing stress. It makes sense: Coloring keeps your hands busy, your mind on the page in front of you rather than the ten thousand other things you could be thinking about, and your imagination in play. Somehow, it manages to keep you engaged and allow you to zone out. Incredible!
As silly as it sounds, I’ve found coloring books to be a really simple, pressure-free way for people who lack drawing skills, like myself, to get creative and, well, chill. I’ve dabbled in every alleged “stress reducer” out there in search of a solution, and while I can’t say that something as straightforward as coloring is the answer to all of your anxious feelings, I’ve found it to be more effective than a Xanax in helping me keep my cool when I’m feeling on edge.
Trust me, you can’t have a panic attack while you’re filling in paisleys with a hot pink gel pen. It is physically impossible. Scroll down below to shop our favorite adult coloring books.
1. F*cking Awesome Coloring Book
Amazon
The key to stress relief is aggressively coloring in bubble letter swear words, right?
2. Colorful Florals
Etsy
Create works of art with this floral coloring book.
3. Stress Relieving Animal Designs
Amazon
A rainbow elephant?? Only in an adult coloring book like this one.
4. Bob Ross Style
Target
Find your inner Bob Ross with this fun coloring book.
5. Real Housewives of NY Cartoons
Etsy
Money can’t buy you class, but it sure can buy you this endlessly entertaining coloring book.
6. Drinking Animals Coloring Book
Amazon
This drinking llama is me, I am this drinking llama. Definitely going to have a ton of fun with this coloring book.
7. NSFW Coloring Book
Etsy
Scribble out your stress with this hilarious coloring book.
8. City Escapes Coloring Book
Target
If you can’t travel, at least you can pretend you’re going somewhere fun with this coloring book.
9. Quirky Coloring Book
Etsy
Lover of sloths, cacti and other random but soothing objects? This coloring book is just for you.
10. Golden Girls Coloring Book
Amazon
Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia are back and in cartoon form in this epic coloring book.
11. Uplifting Inspirations
Target
Keep the good vibes going all day long with this inspirational and motivational coloring book.
12. Coffee Animals Coloring Book
I’ll take my almond milk latte with a side of cute cartoon kitten, please!
Amazon
13. National Parks Coloring Book
Target
Why road trip when you can see all of what the American Southwest has to offer in this coloring book.
14. Pandemic Problems Coloring Book
Amazon
Hoarding toilet paper and other goods during a worldwide lockdown? This coloring book is for you.
15. Summer Scenes
Amazon
Enter a serene space with this summer scenes coloring book.