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The use of adult coloring books has become popular as a form ofrelaxation, meditation, andstress relief. Individuals with anxiety may find it helpful to use these coloring books to promotemindfulnessin their daily lives. Initial research on this topic indicates thatcoloring patterns such as mandalasmay lead to at least a short-term reduction in anxiety.Below are eight coloring books that may be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD), along with tips on how to decide which book might be best suited to you as an individual.The Benefits of Art Therapy for Mental Health
The use of adult coloring books has become popular as a form ofrelaxation, meditation, andstress relief. Individuals with anxiety may find it helpful to use these coloring books to promotemindfulnessin their daily lives. Initial research on this topic indicates thatcoloring patterns such as mandalasmay lead to at least a short-term reduction in anxiety.
Below are eight coloring books that may be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD), along with tips on how to decide which book might be best suited to you as an individual.
The Benefits of Art Therapy for Mental Health
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The Mindfulness Colouring Book: Anti-Stress Art Therapy for Busy People
The Mindfulness Colouring Book.Courtesy of Amazon
2
Creative Therapy: An Anti-Stress Coloring Book
Creative Therapy: An Anti-Stress Coloring Book.Courtesy of Amazon
Best use for social anxiety disorder:This book contains intricate designs and would be best used for occasions when you feel the need to calm yourself after a stressful event. Coloring the fine details of the patterns can be a form of meditation to help you relax.
3
Color Therapy: An Anti-Stress Coloring Book
Color Therapy: An Anti-Stress Coloring Book.Courtesy of Amazon
Best use for social anxiety disorder:This book will be best suited for times when you are feeling the need for a creative outlet to set aside your social anxiety for a few minutes or a few hours.
4
Creative Coloring Inspirations: Art Activity Pages to Relax and Enjoy!
Creative Coloring Inspirations: Art Activity Pages to Relax and Enjoy!.Courtesy of Amazon
All pages in this book are printed only on one side and pre-perforated so you can remove and display. Images are less detailed than some other coloring books, allowing you to complete one activity in a sitting. Pages are also paint-friendly, allowing you to use a variety of mediums to color the images.
Motivational Quotes for Social Anxiety
5
Color Me Happy: 100 Coloring Templates That Will Make You Smile
Color Me Happy: 100 Coloring Templates That Will Make You Smile.Courtesy of Amazon
Best use for social anxiety disorder:The images in this book are fun and not too structured, so it is best for those who prefer a light-hearted approach to de-stressing while socially anxious.
6
The Calm Coloring Book
The Calm Coloring Book: Beautiful Images to Soothe Your Cares Away.Courtesy of Amazon
Best use for social anxiety disorder:Nature lovers with social anxiety may enjoy this book most.
7
Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns
Stress Relieving Patterns.Courtesy of Amazon
Best use for social anxiety disorder:Buy this book as a gift for someone you know who has social anxiety to help that person reduce daily life stress.
8
Adult Coloring Book: Deep Relaxation: Templates for Meditation and Calming
Deep Relaxation.Courtesy of Amazon
Best use for social anxiety disorder:Buy this book for a child or teenager suffering from social anxiety disorder to encourage mindfulness and relaxation.
A Word From Verywell
Adult coloring books are not the only form ofart-making that may help with anxiety. Free-form painting and clay modeling have also been shown to lead to short-term anxiety reduction. If coloring books are not your thing, try painting, pottery, or other artistic pursuits that encourage stress relief.
If social anxiety is significantly interfering with your daily functioning and you have not received a diagnosis or treatment, it is important to speak to your doctor. While self-help methods such as coloring books, meditation, and exercise can help to reduce anxiety, treatments with a strong evidence base such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication are most likely to make a significant difference in your symptoms.
CBT For Social Anxiety Disorder
1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness.Additional ReadingSandmire DA, Rankin NE, Gorham SR, et al.Psychological and autonomic effects of art making in college-aged students.Anxiety, Stress, & Coping. 2016;29(5):561-569. doi:10.1080/10615806.2015.1076798
1 Source
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness.Additional ReadingSandmire DA, Rankin NE, Gorham SR, et al.Psychological and autonomic effects of art making in college-aged students.Anxiety, Stress, & Coping. 2016;29(5):561-569. doi:10.1080/10615806.2015.1076798
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness.
Sandmire DA, Rankin NE, Gorham SR, et al.Psychological and autonomic effects of art making in college-aged students.Anxiety, Stress, & Coping. 2016;29(5):561-569. doi:10.1080/10615806.2015.1076798
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