By Christa Protano
Later this summer—August 2nd to be exact—is National Coloring Book Day, and at Thunder Bay Press we think this holiday can’t come soon enough. With the upcoming presidential election, troubling world events, and whatever hardships one may experiencing in their personal life, a little mental health break could probably benefit many of us. That said, it’s been well documented that the practice of coloring is especially good for one’s brain function and also has many other health perks. This electronic and screen-free form of relaxation and entertainment started becoming popular almost 10 years ago, and has since become a favorite pastime for children and adults, alike. So what are you waiting for? Grab some colored pencils and take your pick from these adult coloring books. Then, get ready to color your way to a more peaceful headspace.
Why Adult Coloring?
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Find a creative outlet.
- Improve mindfulness.
- Distract from negativity.
- Sleep better.
- Boost mood.
- Embrace the imperfect.
- Improve motor skills and vision.
- Enter a meditative state.
Do’s & Don’ts:
- Invest in a quality set of coloring tools, such as pencils, gel pens, crayons, or markers.
- Pick a coloring book based on your interests—nature, religion, astrology, pop culture … the subject matter is limitless.
- Choose a color palette before you start.
- Experiment with various coloring strokes, such as shading, blending, and cross-hatching.
- Don’t worry about finishing a scene all in one sitting.
- Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines.
Sit & Color Pretty
Whether you want to chill & unwind, find some calm in the chaos, or experience the euphoria of joy & hope, Thunder Bay Press has you covered. These oh-so-pretty coloring books will help you settle into that peaceful zone with more than 200 gorgeous, soothing images of nature scenes, geometric patterns, adorable animals and more. Click here for a preview.
Color-By-Number
When you just want to zone out and not think for a little bit, these color-by-number books take the guesswork out of choosing a color palette. From beautiful images of flowers to serene landscapes and even national parks, each of these titles includes a color key to guide your coloring journey. What’s more, larger print makes the Calm and Happiness titles easy on the eyes.
Find Some Religion
The power of prayer is combined with the power of art in these religious-themed coloring books that are brimming with soulful inspiration. The soft, creative style of illustrator Felicity French pairs wonderfully with selected Bible verses, making these books a good choice for anyone who enjoys daily affirmations of faith. Take your pick from Psalms to Color & Soothe the Soul, Let There Be Light, and Prayers to Color & Brighten Your Day.
Color in the Stars
If turning to the stars is your way of coping with uncertain times, these coloring books were made for you. Line art of various tarot cards and astrological signs are accompanied by descriptions of their attributes, providing the reader with a treasure trove of useful insight while coloring in the detailed illustrations.
Bring Mother Nature to Life
Meni Chatzipanagiotou’s beautiful illustrations, many of which explore circular designs, celebrate the rhythms of our planet. From natural landscapes and wildlife to traditional mandala patterns, Chatzipanagiotou draws from the natural world to produce designs that are full of life and wonder. Prepare to color your way across the seas, through the skies, and over the terrain as you are transported to an array of exotic habitats.
