We asked experts to shed light on adult colouring books and their efficacy as a part of therapy
When we think of colouring books, we associate them with children. While some of us have heard of adult colouring books, some of us have used them as therapy, but many are unaware of it. And no, there’s nothing naughty about it. Recently, British singer Robbie Williams revealed he has started using colouring books to help fight his addiction to cigarettes. During an Instagram Live video, the bad boy told fans he’s taken up the hobby to help him with his concentration. “I’m just doing some colouring in, which is good because I’ve got something to concentrate on,” he said, adding, “Art is good for my mind. Anyone who is giving up smoking with me, keep on. The struggle is real.” It has also helped him overcome panic attacks. This prompted us to ask experts about these books.
HOW DIFFERENT ARE THEY?
The main difference between adult colouring books and the children’s version is that there is more detailing in the former. “The patterns and designs require more focus and attention, and are more appealing to grown ups. Another feature of many adult colouring books is mandala. According to art therapists, mandalas and geometric designs induce calmness, creates self-awareness and reduces anxiety,” informs Mansi Hasan, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist.
WHOM ARE THEY GIVEN TO?
“Adult colouring books mostly have a very different content and is usually based on a story line whereas, those meant for children are based on cartoon characters they can relate to,” says clinical psychologist and trauma therapist, Seema Hingorrany. She mostly suggests these books to clients as a resource work for them to ensure a healthy emotional regulation. It’s proven that colouring is therapeutic and is very soothing for people who are undergoing depression and anxiety. She usually gives her clients two pages a day, and they usually get the book to the clinic. “We sit and discuss the characters in the book and how they felt when they were colouring. That usually allows them to express their emotions,” she adds.
“I would recommend this book to anyone who needs an emotional release, as it helps to keep calm, which further helps to process their thoughts better, not necessarily, along with therapy. Using these books is like a extra comfort and can be a resource development process. It helps in reducing anxiousness and hyperactivity in the brain in a major way,” Seema further adds.
Besides depression and anxiety, on many occasions, Mansi has suggested these books to those with low self-esteem, poor concentration and obsessive compulsive disorder, with the age group ranging from 16 to 45 years. She allows her clients to decide how much time they wish to spend doing this activity. Adult colouring books are beneficial for all, they are not just for people going to therapy and experiencing stress.
WHERE TO GET THEM?
These books are available in a wide variety and you can get these books from bookshops and online very easily.
FUN FACTS
- Though adult colouring books seem like a modern day invention, they’ve been around since the 1880s.
- In 1962-63, Barbra Streisand released two versions of a song called, My Colouring Book. Capitalising on the contemporaneous popularity of adult colouring books, the songstress sang about a breakup through the lens of a colouring book.
- Many of these books were a satire on societal expectations, political extremism, social movements, the Soviet Union, communism, former US President John F Kennedy and mental illness.
- Many websites offer digital colouring books, allowing users to choose an image, pick a stylus tool, and decide how to colour it.
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 "Robbie Williams and Barbra Streisand")
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