How Coloring Helps Reduce Stress (Even If You’re a Total Beginner)

If you’ve been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or mentally drained lately, let me tell you something simple that has helped me (and sooo many others): coloring.

Yep — the same thing we loved doing as kids.

And before you roll your eyes… trust me. Coloring as an adult hits different. It’s calming, grounding, creative, and weirdly satisfying. Even if you’ve never picked up a coloring pencil in years, this is one of the easiest ways to unplug your brain and feel human again.

Today I want to share why coloring actually reduces stress, why it works even for beginners, and what tools I recommend if you want to start (I'll show you exactly where to put your Amazon affiliate links).

Let’s get into it. 💛

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🧠 1. Coloring Helps Your Brain Slow Down

We live in “go go go” mode all day — scrolling, answering messages, thinking about the next 20 things on the list.

Coloring forces the opposite.

You literally can’t color and be stressed at the same time, because your brain switches into a calmer, more focused state. Psychologists call this the “flow state”, but I call it “my brain finally shutting up for a second”.

And the best part?

You don’t need to be an artist. You just follow the lines, pick a color, and go.

🎨 2. It Gives Your Mind Something Gentle to Focus On

Sometimes we don’t want to think.

We don’t want deep conversations.

We don’t want to be productive.

Coloring gives your mind a simple, low-pressure task.

It’s almost like meditation… without sitting still in silence wondering what to do with your thoughts.

The repetitive motion of coloring is soothing. Your breathing evens out. Your shoulders drop. You become present.

And honestly? It feels nice to create something pretty without trying too hard.

💛 3. It Reduces Anxiety & Muscle Tension

There are actual studies showing that coloring can:

• lower your heart rate

• reduce physical tension

• ease anxious thoughts

• improve mood

But I don’t even need a study — I feel it myself.

Ten minutes of coloring and suddenly everything feels lighter.

If you’ve been carrying stress in your chest or shoulders, try coloring at night with soft lighting and a warm drink. It feels like therapy but free.

🌟 4. You Don’t Need Expensive Supplies to Start

This is the part I love:

Coloring is a zero-pressure hobby.

You can start with the basics:

• a simple coloring book

• a handful of colored pencils or markers

• a quiet corner

If you want to upgrade later, I’ll leave some ideas below (with spaces to add your Amazon affiliate links). These are beginner-friendly tools that make coloring more fun and relaxing.

🖍️ Beginner-Friendly Coloring Tools I Recommend

✔ 1. Soft Colored Pencils

Perfect for beginners because they blend easily and don’t bleed through paper.

✔ 2. Alcohol-Based Markers

Amazing for smooth gradients and vibrant colors (I use these all the time!).

✔ 3. A Beginner Coloring Book

Pick something simple and relaxing. Mandalas and cute illustrations work great.

I wrote a whole article about the Coloring Tools/Supplies you will need if you decide to join this beautiful community.

🧘‍♀️ 5. Coloring = Instant Me-Time

We don’t always realize how little time we take for ourselves.

Coloring creates a small pause in your day where:

• you’re not on your phone

• no one needs you

• your brain is busy but calm

• you’re creating something beautiful

It’s one of the few activities that makes you feel productive and relaxed at the same time.

And honestly, it reminds me of being a kid… when creativity didn’t have rules and didn’t have to be “good”.

🌈 6. It Boosts Creativity (Even If You Don’t Think You’re Creative)

Coloring unlocks something in us — something playful, curious, soft.

When you mix colors, pick tones, blend shades… you’re waking up the creative part of your brain.

You’d be surprised how much inspiration coloring brings into other areas of life.

And if you’re someone who says “I’m not creative”, I challenge you to color for 10 days.

You’ll see what I mean.

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Coloring is one of those tiny habits that make a huge difference.

It’s calming, comforting, beginner-friendly, and honestly? So much fun.

So next time you feel overwhelmed or burnt out, grab a coloring book and pick one page.

Just one.

Ten minutes later, you’ll feel it — that softness in your chest, the quiet mind, the little spark of joy.

We all deserve that kind of peace. 💛