Think coloring is just for kids? Science says otherwise.

Research shows that picking up colored pencils or markers can be a simple yet powerful way to quiet the mind and ease stress.

A 2016 study published in Art Therapy found that adults who spent just twenty minutes coloring complex geometric patterns—like mandalas—reported significantly lower levels of anxiety compared to those who colored freely on a blank page.

Structured coloring appears to engage the brain’s “flow state,” a meditative-like focus that helps interrupt repetitive, stressful thoughts.

Additional research suggests that coloring can activate the parasympathetic nervous system—reducing heart rate and promoting a sense of calm.

A recent review even concluded that art-based practices like coloring may improve mood, enhance mindfulness, and support overall emotional well being.

No need to wait until you’re stressed—enjoy coloring this mandala and give your nervous system a much-deserved break.

Color This Mandala

____________________________________________

References

Eaton J, Tieber C. “The effects of coloring on anxiety, mood, and perseverance. Art therapy, 2017-01, 34 (1): 42-46.

Michail Mantzios, Kyriaki Giannou. “When Did Coloring Books Become Mindful? Exploring the Effectiveness of a Novel Method of Mindfulness-Guided Instructions for Coloring Books to Increase Mindfulness and Decrease Anxiety,” Front Psychol. 2018 Jan 30;9:56.

Chhavi Singh, Surekha C, Jaishree K. “Efficacy of Mandala Coloring Intervention on Executive Functioning and Emotional & Motivational Self-Regulation Among Children with Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” Cureus. 2023 Oct 12;15(10):e46919.