Melt away stress with coloring books

Doctors encouraging coloring books to de-stress

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s something that we all used to do and now, it’s trending outside of classrooms. Coloring away is the latest craze to unwind and relax.

More adults are reaching for crayons and coloring books because of the health benefits.

Don't feel like dealing with stress today? Melt away the tension and get lost in page after page of coloring fun.
Coloring isn't just for kids anymore. In fact, coloring books for adults are topping Amazon's best sellers list.

Dr. Cheswire from UF Health says these books are flying off shelves because of their therapeutic effect.

“Coloring in particular, quiets parts of the mind that are associated with stress and anxiety and it also promotes attention-- you gotta stay inside the lines, things like that,” said Dr. Cheswire.

He adds that studies have shown that art helps people disconnect from everyday stress while stimulating your brain and creativity. It's also a great way to bond with your family

“It's actually a way you can do the same activities as your children- or if you don't have children, it’s a way to bring yourself back to a time when you used to enjoy those activities that calm yourself down,” said Dr. Cheswire.

Crayola recently launched a new line of coloring books for adults. You can find them online or at your local bookstore. If you want to skip the trip to the store or the crayons altogether, you can also download apps like Pigment onto your phone and color away the stress with just the touch of your finger.