Do you remember a few years back when we found ourselves in the mist of a colouring in craze? It seemed like in every café people were colouring in whilst sipping their cappuccinos. It was if the world had been swept up in this phenomenon.

I remember many years ago when I was still living in my hometown of Sydney, I would often meet friends for dinner at a lovely restaurant in Paddington where instead of tablecloths they had butchers paper with tubs of crayons and pencils, an at every table the diners (all adults) were either doodling or colouring in.

When you looked in the bookstores and supermarkets there are literally hundreds of colouring in books for adults. With millions having been sold, there must be something to this…

It was almost like we were given permission to get out our coloured pencils and texters, reconnect to our inner child and play again.

Colour Psychology

From a colour psychology perspective, colouring in brings out our inner child, reconnecting us to happy memories. It allowed us to reconnect with that inner child part of ourselves we often neglect in our busy adult lives.

Holding a crayon or a pencil and the act of using our hands connects the brain and the heart in a way a computer, a keyboard, or a mobile phone never can.

The simple act of picking your favourite colours and connecting colour to paper frees your mind from stress and worries and connects you back to your playful child self.

Whenever I colour in, my biggest decision is which colour to pick as I have so many I love!

I’d love to hear what you think about the idea of picking up a crayon again?

Or if you’re already a convert, I’d love to know what it has given you?

Pop in your comment below and help spread the colouring in bug.

Together let’s colour the world!

Wishing you a colourful day,
Karen x

Feature image by Mint Owl on Unsplash
Pencil image by Karen Haller

Originally published 1st April 2019
Updated March 2023