The Benefits of Color By Number for Adults

Why I'm Obsessed with Color By Number

Okay, I'll admit it—when my friend suggested I try adult coloring books, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly gave myself a headache. Color by number? Seriously? Wasn't that something I did when I was seven and bored on a rainy Saturday?

But here's the thing: I was wrong. Really, really wrong.

After months of feeling like my brain was constantly buzzing with notifications, deadlines, and that never-ending mental to-do list, I was desperate for something—anything—that didn't involve staring at another screen. So I bought a color-by-number book on a whim during a grocery store run. Best impulse purchase ever.

It Actually Quiets Your Mind (No, Really)

The first time I sat down with those colored pencils, something weird happened. About ten minutes in, I realized I hadn't thought about work once. Not once! My shoulders had dropped from somewhere around my ears, and that tight feeling in my chest had loosened.

There's something almost hypnotic about finding the right shade of blue for section 23, then carefully filling it in without going over the lines. It's repetitive but not boring, focused but not stressful. My therapist would probably call it "grounding," but I just call it magic.

I've tried meditation apps, yoga videos, even those adult puzzle books everyone raves about. Nothing worked quite like this. Maybe it's because there's no pressure to empty your mind or achieve some zen state—you're just... coloring.

It's Mindfulness for People Who Suck at Mindfulness

Look, I've never been good at the whole "be present" thing. My mind wanders constantly. But with color by number, I don't have to force myself to focus—the activity itself pulls me in.

You can't really multitask when you're trying to figure out where all the 47s go in a detailed butterfly wing. Your attention naturally narrows to just the paper, the pencil, and the gentle scratch of graphite on paper. It's mindfulness by stealth.

My Attention Span is Actually Getting Better

This might sound ridiculous, but I swear my ability to concentrate on other things has improved since I started this hobby. Finishing a complex design requires patience—sometimes I'll work on the same picture for weeks, doing a little bit each evening.

In our world of instant everything, there's something deeply satisfying about a project that can't be rushed. You have to stick with it, section by section, color by color. And when you finally step back and see the completed image? That feeling of accomplishment is real.

You Don't Need to Be "Artistic" (Thank God)

I can barely draw a decent stick figure, but that doesn't matter here. The hard work—the composition, the design, even choosing which colors work well together—has already been done. All I have to do is follow the numbers.

But here's what surprised me: even though I'm following instructions, it still feels creative. I get to decide how much pressure to use, whether to blend colors slightly, which sections to complete first. There are tiny choices that make each finished piece uniquely mine.

And honestly? Some of these designs are genuinely beautiful. I've got a few framed on my wall now, and guests always ask where I got them. "I made it," feels pretty great to say.

Finding My New Evening Ritual

Instead of scrolling through my phone or binge-watching Netflix until way too late, I've started spending 30-45 minutes most evenings just coloring. It's become this little pocket of calm that helps me transition from the chaos of the day to actually being able to sleep.

My partner was skeptical at first (okay, maybe they laughed a little), but now they've started joining me. We'll put on some music or a podcast and just color side by side. It's surprisingly nice—like parallel play for grown-ups.

Ready to Give It a Try?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or just looking for a way to unwind that doesn't involve more screen time, maybe grab a color-by-number book next time you're out. They make them in all difficulty levels now—from simple designs you can finish in one sitting to incredibly detailed masterpieces that'll keep you busy for months.

Fair warning: it's weirdly addictive. I started with one book and now have a small collection. But as hobbies go, it's pretty affordable, and the benefits—better focus, less stress, actual relaxation—are totally worth it.

Trust me on this one. Your seven-year-old self knew what they were doing.