Have you ever wanted to go back to the simpler days of childhood, when you could spend all afternoon just sitting around with a box of crayons and a coloring book? If so, you're not alone. Adult coloring books are booming as grown men and women turn to a tried-and-true method of relaxation.
Sales of adult coloring books jumped from one million in 2014 to 12 million in 2015, when no fewer than 2,000 new adult coloring books were published — over just 300 in 2014. The books are filled with intricate pictures of everything from flowers to Star Wars characters, and Crayola is developing an entire line of coloring gear for grown-ups.
As WNYC notes, it's been a while since there was a craze for adult coloring books — but this isn't the first time. "In 1962, sales of adult coloring books reached $1 million, topping the New York Times bestseller list and inspiring Barbra Streisand to release a song titled 'My Coloring Book.'"
It's a fad, sure — but therapists are encouraging it for clients who need to take some time out. "Coloring works for a wide variety of people," counseling professor Misty Ginicola told the New Haven Register. "Circular patterns like mandalas can help someone see a small piece as part of a whole."
For maximum effects, we prescribe YourClassical's Relax stream for soothing classical music to accompany your coloring time.
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