Copyright D Sharon Pruitt
Be forewarned: this list is kind of cheesy and is based on opinion and not scientific fact.
1. It’s relaxing! When you color you can just zone out. I don’t know much about color therapy but seeing certain colors next to each other makes me happy (I get color therapy out of crocheting too when I combine certain colors). Use coloring to de-stress.
2. It improves fine motor skills. Using various art tools and concentrating on different levels of detail will force your hands to have more control. Try using both hands.
3. You can learn drawing techniques. Looking at one line drawing for an extended period time can be a great opportunity to learn how other people draw. I teach at an art studio and the owner was telling me that it’s actually a great way for kids to learn drawing skills. Often times if they see a drawing they like they want to mimic it. Tracing a line drawing is a great way to learn shapes, and how they work with each other (and then you can apply it to your own art).
4. You can enhance your creativity. Add your own touch when you are coloring a page. Try making the sky plaid, turn the characters into zombies, add your own characters, etc. You don’t have to color in the lines. A coloring page can be a worry-free way to experiment on some techniques.
5. Use coloring for educational purposes. When I was a kid coloring pages of anatomy parts and geography were especially helpful. Do a google search on any subject you want to learn about and you can probably find a coloring book that will fit.
6. It gets you away from the computer. Try turning off your tv and pick up your crayons instead. Give your eyes a rest from screens.
7. Your fridge needs to be decorated! I don’t think I need to expand on this comment.
See Also:
As my eyes are about to fall out of their sockets!
A little elbow grease (and lots of fun) gets you a free e-book
Ornaglyphology 