Unwind with adult coloring books

When did you last pick up a finely sharpened colored pencil and start shading in a picture that made you happy, like this one? A simple hobby like coloring can be very relaxing, and if you've not thought about it in a long time, you're missing out on that. As a rule, adult coloring books aren't self-help books. However, they can do a lot of good for you.

Coloring has a lot of scientifically-backed benefits, like calming down and reducing stress. If you want to get rid of pain and anxiety, art therapy can help. That's what a study by the journal The Arts in Psychotherapy even found in 2018. Because adult coloring books don't have screens, they make you feel like you're a child again. Besides, this hobby is great because there is no right way to color (meaning you don't need to be an artist). So leave your self-judgment at the door.

Find a subject that interests you, like the best books of all time, books for your zodiac sign, books written by women, or romance novels. Then choose from these 20 highly rated adult coloring books. There have been many happy colorers who have found peace in the process of putting colored pencils on paper.

Worlds of Wonder by Johanna Basford

Imagining yourself in other worlds that you've only dreamed about? This book is your ticket out of this one. Johanna Basford is on a mission to help people be more creative, and her fans can't get enough. The book has a 4.8-star rating with more than 3,000 reviews. It's a lot of fun to color in tree-top castles, floating islands, and enchanted sea turtles that the talented Basford has drawn by hand. Anyone who can't get enough fantasy books in their reading list should get this book right now!

Mandala Illustrations from Arteza

Mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit, and these sacred geometric symbols are used to show a journey through the world of the soul. Coloring these symmetrical designs puts you in a calming, almost trancelike state, which is great for a dose of art therapy. Arteza makes a lot of adult coloring books and art supplies, but this one in particular lets you be creative. There are 72 one-sided sheets that can be removed, so you can show off your work when you're done. You can color while you watch TV or listen to an audiobook, but if you really want to forget about your problems, try focusing only on the art itself, not your problems.

Mama Needs a Mother F*cking Nap from Honey Badger Coloring

This is best for the mom who swears like a sailor.

It's hard to keep swear words away from your kids all day long, so let them fly in all your favorite colors with this mom-approved coloring book. It's not for coloring with your kids. Try these mother-daughter books instead. A lot of curse words and patterns are in it. They go well with your favorite bottle of wine, too.

Adult Coloring Book by Cindy Elsharouni

Artists who like a lot of different styles.

A lot of adult coloring books are grouped together by theme, so it's nice to find one book that fits everyone. The fact that Cindy Elsharouni's book has so many reviews must be because it is so open to everyone, The book has 60 different designs, from animals and mandalas to paisleys and flowers, so you can make a lot of things. You can write on both sides of these thick sheets, so even your favorite gel pens and markers won't bleed through. To see how things work before you buy, check out these free coloring pages you can print at home.

Exhale: A Self Care Coloring Book by Latoya Nicole

Anyone who needs some self-love.

Need some ideas for how to add some self-care into your daily routine? This book by a Black author shows women of color reading, writing, exercising, relaxing, and putting themselves first. We're all in. Grab your pencils and start coloring in a scene you'd like to see in your own life, then show us how you did.

100 Flower Designs by MantraCraft

A fan of flowers is the best person for this

People who want flowers can get them from the florist here. A hundred high-resolution photos are all we need for your flowers, and we have them all. From flowers and vases to bunches and bouquets, MantraCraft's 100 Flower Designs will make your dreams come true. If this book has more than 4,000 positive reviews, it's very likely that your next great idea is in these pages. These self-care gifts are a great way to get even more TLC.

Be Fearless in the Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire from Papeterie Bleu

Dream-chasers should use this.

Need a little push to go after your dreams? This book will help. Start by making your own motivational poster by painting it. Self-love quotes like "follow your soul; it knows the way" and "some days you just have to make your own sunshine" will help you find your own happiness.

Art of Coloring Star Wars from Disney

Wannabe Jedis

Your search for the best adult coloring books is over if you like to drink at the Mos Eisley cantina, or if you like to read science fiction books, so your search for the best adult coloring books is over! This is full of Star Wars-themed illustrations and includes all of your favorite characters. It will take you away from the daily stress of your life to a galaxy far, far away.

The Psalms in Color from Christian Art Publishers

For people who read the Bible.

In quiet thought, color or hum your favorite hymns as you go through the pages of The Psalms in Color. As with prayer, this book is up to you. It has 62 ink drawings (like kaleidoscopic patterns and wallpaper-style prints) that use Bible quotes. Nearly 4,000 people have given it high marks.

Fragile World by Kerby Rosanes

A green person should use this.

A lot of animals are in danger of disappearing from our planet. They range from the Tapanuli orangutan to the hawksbill turtle. Soon, they may be just a distant memory. This isn't a book about how sad it is that they're gone, but a book that will help you remember how beautiful they were. Fragile World has detailed illustrations of 56 animals and landscapes that are endangered, vulnerable, or at risk.

Disney Princess Coloring Book by Thomas Kinkade

Disney fans are the best people for this.

Do you ever want to change the way Snow White, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Ariel, Tiana, and the other Disney princesses look? These images are based on paintings by the Thomas Kinkade Studios. You can now change the colors of their skin, hair, and clothes to make them look the way you want them to look, too. It's true that this book has beautiful, full-page color reproductions as a guide, but don't let that stop you from being creative. Here are some more great gifts from Disney that you can buy.

The Mindfulness Coloring Book by Emma Farrarons

Anyone who is stressed out.

Look no further than the Mindfulness Coloring Book, which is small enough to fit in your purse or in a drawer at work. This is just one of many adult coloring books written by women. It will help you turn your stress into something useful without taking up too much space. The flower, butterfly, bird, and wave designs are very relaxing. You can take a break for a few minutes or even a few hours.

The Splat: Coloring the ’90s from Penguin Random House

'90s kids: This is the best choice.

Are most of your favorite memories from the '90s still in there with you today? It then calls your name. You'll get to see more than 96 pages of super-detailed art from Nickelodeon shows like Rugrats, Hey Arnold, and The Ren & Stimpy Show. Happy reviewers say they can use markers and gel pens, so you know the paper is good. There are more than 3,500 of them, so you can be sure it's good.

Sweet Home by Sally Berry

For: People who are old.

When you color with Sweet Home, you don't need a lot of skills to make sure you stay inside the lines. People of all ages can use this book because it has big print and simple line drawings (think: cats, flowers, fireplaces). You won't be able to find these designs anywhere else, because they were drawn by artists who worked alone. When you buy a gift for Grandpa and Grandma, you can bundle Sweet Home with historical fiction books.

Drinking Animals Coloring Book from Caffeinestar Publishing

Those who like to have fun.

Isn't it great that this 52-page book isn't just filled with funny pictures of animals drinking cocktails? The recipes for those cocktails are also on the same page! We think it's a good idea to get all the ingredients together, shake them up, and enjoy the good times.

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