Colouring is more than just a pastime – it’s proven to boost mental well-being and is a simple way to slow down and relax. In a previous blog, we looked at the research behind colouring for mental health and well-being, but we wanted to back this up with our own study and hear directly from you, our Castle Arts community, about your experiences with colouring.
We asked over 1,100 customers across the UK, US, France, and Germany about the impact of colouring on their well-being, and the responses might surprise you. From managing stress to boosting focus and improving sleep, our community shared how beneficial colouring can be for relaxation, focus, and overall happiness. Here’s what they had to say about how colouring supports their well-being:
1. Improving mental health
We were thrilled to find out that 97% of Castle Arts customers have found colouring to be beneficial for their mental health.
We know it can be hard to find simple, enjoyable ways to boost emotional well-being, but incorporating a few colouring sessions into your weekly routine could be a fulfilling way to mentally recharge, helping you cope with the pressures of daily life.
I can forget about any problems and relax with colouring. I think it's really beneficial for the mind.
- Survey participant
2. Stress relief and reduced anxiety
Modern life can be stressful, so it’s no surprise that people are searching for easy ways to unwind. Our survey found that 86% of respondents rated colouring as moderately or very effective for reducing stress and anxiety, and 32% identified stress relief as one of the main benefits.
Whether it’s taking a break from work or escaping everyday demands, colouring is a calming creative outlet that helps people let go of their worries.
I recommend everyone should colour, even if you only have a short time in your day. You will see benefits when you're not stressing or thinking about your problems.
- Survey participant
3. Sleep and relaxation
Struggling with sleep? You’re not alone - insomnia is thought to affect about 30% of adults. But according to our survey, 50% of customers reported that colouring improves their sleep. By offering a screen-free way to wind down in the evening, colouring can help ease the mind and prepare it for rest.
And it’s not just for bedtime - 98% of our customers said they would recommend colouring as a tool for improving relaxation. Whether it’s after a hectic morning or during a quiet evening, colouring can help you find a peaceful moment whenever you need it.
4. Mood and emotional well-being
It makes sense that if colouring helps you relax, it might also lift your mood and offer emotional benefits. According to our survey, 57% of customers felt calmer after colouring, and 37% reported feeling happier. For many, colouring is not only a fun way to express creativity but also a chance to reset and recharge emotionally.
Accessible, affordable, and enjoyable, colouring is a fantastic tool for cultivating positive emotions. It’s an easy way to step back from the day, so you can return to your responsibilities feeling refreshed and more hopeful.
5. Focus and mindfulness
Our customers found that colouring can be an effective way to improve concentration and mindfulness, with 85% of respondents agreeing that it helped them focus and stay mindful (45% strongly agreed, 40% agreed).
By focusing on the page and patterns in front of you, colouring encourages you to clear your mind of distractions and stay present.
Colouring makes me much happier, relaxed, and focused afterwards.
- Survey participant
6. A sense of satisfaction
Colouring isn’t only about reducing stress or improving focus – for many of our customers, it’s also about feeling a sense of accomplishment and creative satisfaction. Completing a colouring page can be incredibly rewarding, and it gives people a chance to express their creativity in a way that feels effortless. One survey participant highlighted that for them, a key benefit of colouring is simply “satisfaction from completing something beautiful”.
Here’s how you can get started:
1. Invest in some supplies
You don’t have to break the bank, but starting with quality materials can make all the difference and help you fully enjoy each colouring session. At Castle Arts, we have more than 15 coloured pencil sets to choose from – all suitable for beginners, developed by real artists, and accessibly priced, so you can experience the benefits of colouring no matter your budget.
2. Create a routine
Try incorporating colouring into your weekly schedule as dedicated time to unwind, recharge, and focus on yourself. It might seem hard to carve out the time, but even half an hour can leave you feeling refreshed and give you the boost you need.
3. Experience the results for yourself
Discover the calming and restorative effects of colouring for yourself, just as so many in our community have. Let colouring help you relax, boost your well-being, and bring a greater sense of balance to your day.
Ready to experience the benefits? Explore our library of free, printable colouring sheets or take a look at our colouring books – your journey to better well-being starts here.
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