Whether you need to combat boredom, ease feelings of restlessness, or need some quiet time to yourself, a coloring book is a great alternative to technology and social media. Additionally, they can be useful for your nighttime routine—as the use of electronics before bed may cause disruptions in sleep and may increase the risk of insomnia. Whether a coloring book includes detailed images or snarky humor, it can offer you a simple, fun, and inexpensive way to practice some mindfulness. Here are the best adult coloring books on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor. The spiral binding allows the book to sit flat while in use, and the extra thickness keeps ink from bleeding through the paper onto the next page. Price at time of publication: $8 The humor can also decrease frustration and irritation in a healthy and positive way. 21 single-sided pages are included in the book. Price at time of publication: $5 The designs are printed on single side paper to prevent markers or pens from bleeding through to the next page. And while the pages are not perforated, they can still be torn out of the book. Price at time of publication: $7 Each mandala is printed on single-sided paper and they range from simple to expertly detailed and intricate. While each one will take some time to color, the completed project is sure to be beautiful enough to display. Price at time of publication: $10
A hardback cover makes the book durable and long-lasting, and the designs are good for both beginner and intermediate drawers. Price at time of publication: $17 The positive quotes can also focus your mind on gratitude and hope, which may minimize negative feelings. Price at time of publication: $8 Fifty four coloring challenges are printed on both sides of the book pages, so you may want to steer clear of alcohol-based markers to avoid any ink from bleeding through. However, when opened, the book lays flat for ease of drawing. Price at time of publication: $15 Some designs are complicated and some are easier—making this book a good option for advanced or beginner drawers. Price at time of publication: $10
The high-quality paper prevents bleeding and the one-sided prints can be torn out and displayed. Since the details aren’t super intricate, crayons and markers can also be used on the designs. Price at time of publication: $9 In addition to the book, you can also buy postcards, notecards, and journals with the same designs. Price at time of publication: $10 Thanks to wide-set outlines, you can also create your own patterns for a more challenging drawing session. Price at time of publication: $15

Skill Level

If a book is too complex or advanced, coloring in the pages may be more frustrating than relaxing. Likewise, if a book is too simple it might become boring to someone with more advanced skills. Detailed designs require patience and focus—you may need to complete them in a few sittings. Simple images can often be completed in a single sitting and might be better if you’re trying to complete a shorter mindfulness session.

Quality Paper

While colored pencils are a safe tool to use for coloring since they don’t bleed through, some people prefer markers, crayons, and even watercolor paints to achieve a different look. If you want to use crayons, the designs should be large enough so that you can still stay within the lines. If an image is printed on high-quality paper, you may be able to use watercolors or markers. Also, check to see if the designs are printed on single-sided paper or double-sided paper. Single-sided options may prevent bleeding.

Why Trust Verywell Mind?

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients to improve mental and emotional health, Mary K Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing or self-care journey, therefore, having lots of options to choose from is vitally important in creating a lifestyle that combats mental illness and promotes health and wellbeing.  “This helps with not allowing mental clutter to overwhelm the senses and gives the brain a break from the stressors of the day,” she explains. “Coloring is a great activity for decompressing and transitioning out of work mode and into relaxation mode.”Matt Lundquist, founder and clinical director of Tribeca Therapy, believes adult coloring books can create a mindful distraction to help people carve out space to feel their feelings.