Best Relaxing Adult Coloring Books for Anxiety and Overthink
If your brain never shuts up, coloring can feel like a reset button.
You don’t need super-detailed, stressful designs. You need calming pages, clear lines, and themes that feel cozy, safe, and gentle—something you can do on the couch at night without feeling like you’re “failing at art.”
This guide shares some of the best relaxing adult coloring books for anxiety and overthinkers, plus tips for turning coloring into a simple wind-down routine.
What Makes a Coloring Book Truly Relaxing?
Look for books that have:
- Bold or medium lines – so you’re not squinting at tiny details
- Enough open space – you can finish a page in one sitting
- Soothing themes – cozy scenes, animals, nature, gentle fantasy
- One-sided pages – less stress about markers bleeding onto the next page
If a page makes you feel overwhelmed just looking at it, it’s not a calming book for you—no matter how pretty it is.
Top Relaxing Coloring Books for Adults
1. Bold and Easy Motivational
Best for: Over-thinkers who want soft, cozy vibes and easy-to-finish pages
- Bold, clear lines and designs that don’t feel crowded
- Cozy elements like flowers, cute bugs etc...
- One-sided pages so you can use pencils, gel pens, or markers with less worry
- Perfect for 15–30 minute coloring sessions when you just need to relax
👉 Buy on Amazon
2. Bold and Easy Mandalas Coloring Book
Best for: People who want simple, repetitive patterns that calm the mind
- Bold mandala-style designs or patterns with larger shapes (not micro details)
- Very forgiving – you can choose a few colors and repeat them without overthinking
- Great for coloring while listening to music, podcasts, or sermons
- Ideal for colored pencils or markers
👉 Buy on Amazon
3. Bold and Easy Patterns Coloring Book
Best for: People who want simple, repetitive patterns that calm the mind
- Bold mandala-style designs or patterns with larger shapes (not micro details)
- Very forgiving – you can choose a few colors and repeat them without overthinking
- Great for coloring while listening to music, podcasts, or sermons
- Ideal for colored pencils or markers
👉 Buy on Amazon
4. 101 Amazing Animals Coloring Book
Best for: Animal lovers who relax by “spending time” with their favorite creatures
- Horses/animals that actually look like what they’re supposed to be
- A mix of simple and slightly more detailed pages, so you can choose your energy level
- Great if you find comfort in animals and nature scenes
👉 Buy on Amazon
How to Use Coloring to Calm Anxiety (Simple Routine)
You don’t need a huge ritual. Try this 3-step routine:
- Pick an easy page
- Choose a page with bigger shapes and a simple scene. Today is not the day for the most detailed page in the book.
- Choose a page with bigger shapes and a simple scene. Today is not the day for the most detailed page in the book.
- Limit your colors
- Choose 3–5 colors only (for example: two blues, a pink, a green, and a neutral).
- Fewer choices = less decision fatigue = more calm.
- Choose 3–5 colors only (for example: two blues, a pink, a green, and a neutral).
- Set a gentle time container
- Tell yourself: “I’m just going to color for 10–20 minutes.”
- No pressure to finish the page. If you do, great. If not, it’ll be there waiting for you.
- Tell yourself: “I’m just going to color for 10–20 minutes.”
If your mind starts racing, just come back to:
“What’s the next small shape I’m coloring?”
One shape at a time.
Which Coloring Supplies Feel Most Relaxing?
For anxious brains, simple > complicated.
- Start with a small set of colored pencils you like holding.
- Add a few brush or bullet-tip water-based markers for filling bigger areas.
- Keep everything in one pencil case so you’re not rummaging through 200 colors.
Not sure what to buy?
👉 Check out my Best Coloring Supplies for Adults guide for a simple shopping list.
FAQs – Coloring for Anxiety & Stress Relief
Q: Is coloring actually good for anxiety?
Coloring isn’t a magic cure, but it does help many people by giving the brain something gentle and repetitive to focus on. It’s especially helpful if you struggle to sit still or meditate—it’s like “meditation with training wheels.”
Q: What kind of coloring book is best for anxiety?
Look for books with bold or medium lines, simple shapes, and calming themes (nature, animals, cozy scenes). Avoid super-busy designs that make you feel pressured to be perfect.
Q: How long should I color to feel calmer?
Even 10–15 minutes can make a difference. You don’t have to finish a page—just color long enough for your breathing and thoughts to slow down a bit.
Q: What if I’m not artistic at all?
Perfect. Coloring is made for non-artists. The hard part—the drawing—is already done. You’re just choosing colors and filling in shapes. There’s no “wrong” way to color.
Q: Can these books be used as gifts for someone going through a hard time?
Yes. A relaxing coloring book plus a small set of pencils makes a thoughtful gift for anyone facing anxiety, burnout, or a stressful season. Just add a note like, “For when your brain needs a break.”
More helpful guides:
– Best Coloring Supplies for Adult Coloring Books
– Best Horse Coloring Books for Adults
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.