Skip to content
Close Menu
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
      • DEAR READERS
      • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
      • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
      • BUSINESS DIRECTORY
      • CONTACT
      • CONTENT PILLARS
      • PRESS
      • SOBEES
      • START A PODCAST
      • WRITE A BOOK
    • BACKSTAGE
    • NA DRINKS
      • NA BEERS & CIDERS
      • NA SPIRITS
      • NA WINES
      • READY TO DRINK
      • NA EVENTS
    • HEALTH & WELLNESS
      • CODEPENDENCY
      • MENTAL HEALTH
      • OPINION
      • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE
      • WELLNESS
      • YOGA & PILATES
    • LIFESTYLE
      • #ADDTOCART
      • COMING OUT SOBER
      • CONTENT CREATION
      • CURATED CRAFTS
      • FASHION
      • POETRY
      • SOBER SPOTLIGHT
      • UNBUZZED FEED
    • ENTERTAINMENT
      • #QUITLIT
      • EVENTS
      • GAME ROOM
      • MOVIES
      • MUSIC
      • PODCASTS
      • POP CULTURE
      • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST
      • SPORTS
      • TV SHOWS
    • TRAVEL
      • EVENTS
      • RETREATS
      • CRUISING GUIDE
      • WHAT A TRIP
      • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
        • MINNEAPOLIS
        • NYC
        • SEATTLE
    • SPIRITUALITY
      • THE CARD DIVO
      • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE
      • STOICISM
      • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
      • YOGA + PILATES
    • RESOURCES
      • FAMILY RESOURCES
      • GLOSSARY
      • LGBTQ RESOURCES
      • NONPROFIT GUIDE
      • WE DO RECOVER
    The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
    Home - Color Me Sane: The Surprising Benefits of Adult Coloring as Art Therapy
    Alysse Bryson

    Color Me Sane: The Surprising Benefits of Adult Coloring as Art Therapy

    Alysse BrysonBy Alysse BrysonJune 26, 20254 Mins Read
    Color Me Sane_ Adult Coloring for Sobriety Curated Crafts The Sober Curator
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    Photo Credit:  «Depositphotos.com»

    Who says coloring books are just for kids? Grab your colored pencils, glitter pens, or those squeaky-clean markers you’ve been saving for a rainy day—because it’s time to unleash your inner child and your inner Zen master.

    Let’s be real. Adulting is hard. Bills to pay, emails to write, random group texts to ignore (or not!). Sometimes we need a break that doesn’t involve screens or scrolling. Enter: the humble coloring book, a ticket to a stress-free mental vacation, no passport required. And if you’re anything like me, keeping my hands still is a challenge.

    Why Coloring Isn’t Just Child’s Play

    Once upon a time, coloring was all about staying inside the lines (or not!). For kids, it’s a skill-building, imagination-boosting powerhouse:

    • Skill Development: Crayons and markers aren’t just for show—they’re laying the groundwork for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Tiny artists become tiny writing whizzes and crafty geniuses.
    • Creativity and Expression: Choosing the color of a giraffe’s spots? Pure magic. Kids learn how to dream big and express themselves fearlessly—important skills for a lifetime of creativity.
    • Focus and Patience: Those swirling lines and shapes? They’re like tiny mazes, helping kids learn how to slow down, focus, and stick with it.
    • Emotional Outlet: Coloring can be a soothing balm for big feelings. It’s a way for kids to work through emotions without needing the perfect words.
    #ADDTOCART – Check out our curated list of coloring books, Pens, + Pencils on AMAzon
    Photo Credit:  «Depositphotos.com»

    Color Me Grown: The Grown-Up Glow-Up

    Here’s the best-kept secret: All those benefits? They’re not just for the under-10 crowd. It’s time to enter your coloring era (again.) Coloring is having a major grown-up glow-up, and here’s why you should jump on the bandwagon:

    • Stress Relief & Relaxation: Coloring is a one-way ticket to Chill Town. Studies show it can lower anxiety and bring on that calm, meditative vibe—like yoga for your brain, minus the downward dog.
    • Mindfulness & Focus: Let your worries drift away as you zero in on the page. Coloring helps you stay in the present, turning “monkey mind” chaos into blissful, meditative calm.
    • Creativity Boost: Even if you’re not the next Picasso, playing with color and pattern can supercharge your creativity. It’s like a mental playground that spills over into work, hobbies, and life.
    • Connection & Bonding: Adult coloring parties, anyone? Coloring in groups is a low-pressure way to connect—perfect for friends, family, or even that coworker you’re still trying to get to know.

    Coloring: The New Cool

    Gone are the days when coloring books were relegated to dusty classrooms. They’re back in style, and we’re here for it. Whether you’re rocking a rainbow unicorn page or a mandala masterpiece, every stroke is a tiny triumph. So why not make it a daily ritual? Brew a cup of tea or make a mocktail, turn up your favorite tunes, and let the colors flow.

    Remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about play, peace, and a splash of color in a monochrome day.

    So, what are you waiting for? Bust out those crayons (or, let’s be honest, those fancy gel pens you bought but never used). Your inner artist—and your mental well-being—will thank you.

    #ADDTOCART – Check out our curated list of coloring books, Pens, + Pencils on AMAzon
    Photo Credit:  «Depositphotos.com»

    Sober Pop Culture Style

    When you click the link above to the Amazon Adult Coloring list I curated for you, you’ll find tons of sober and recovery-themed books with AA Slogans and sassy, sober whimsy. But if pop culture is more your jam, then have no fear—I’ve got your coloring book back with options that will warm the heart of every millennial and Gen-Xer.

    • #ADDTOCART: The Golden Girls – thank you for being a friend that colors
    • #ADDTOCART: Sneaker Coloring Book – so you can kick it
    • #ADDTOCART: Pop Art Style – get your coloring kitsch on
    • #ADDTOCART: The Unofficial Bridgerton Coloring Book – we will all need to color one day…
    • #ADDTOCART: The Goonies Never Say Die – Hey, you guys! Time to color!
    • #ADDTOCART: Back to the Future – Roads, where we’re going, we don’t need roads. But we do need our gel pens.
    • #ADDTOCART: Stars Hollow – Life’s short, color fast!
    • #ADDTOCART: Star Wars – May the sober force be with you! (Sober Curator Fun Fact: Did you know we have a special Star Wars section?)
    • #ADDTOCART: A Coloring Book of Rappers – Including sober icon Eminem.

    #ADDTOCART

    50 Shades
    12 Step Coloring
    Progress Not Perfection
    One Day At a Time
    Addicted Coloring Book
    Be Addicted to Your Recovery
    Sober AF Coloring Book
    FCK Addiction Coloring Book
    Sobriety Coloring Book Amazon
    Recovery Coloring Book Amazon
    50 Shades
    12 Step Coloring
    Progress Not Perfection
    One Day At a Time
    Addicted Coloring Book
    Be Addicted to Your Recovery
    Sober AF Coloring Book
    FCK Addiction Coloring Book
    Sobriety Coloring Book Amazon
    Recovery Coloring Book Amazon

    Color Me Badd – All 4 Love (1991)

    Color Me Badd – All 4 Love (1991)

    Curated Crafts by The Sober Curator provides art therapy ideas

    CURATED CRAFTS at The Sober Curator is all about keeping your hands busy and your mind inspired in sobriety. Whether you’re diving into art therapy, channeling your inner Sober Picasso, or laughing your way through a Pinterest fail, creative expression can be a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional healing. Crafting isn’t about perfection—it’s about expanding your mind, expressing your feelings, and having fun along the way.

    Follow our latest DIY inspiration on Pinterest, or, if crafting isn’t your thing, check out our #QUITLIT section for book recommendations that feed the soul. You can also shop our curated list of supplies on our Amazon Storefront. 


    The Sober Curator Amazon Storefront is OPEN! Looking for the ultimate sober lifestyle hookup? We’ve got you. Shop our curated collections for:
    ✨ #QUITLIT that hits
    ✨ Alcohol-free bevs that don’t suck
    ✨ Glassware & bar tools to up your AF game
    ✨ Recovery gifts that actually mean something
    ✨ Fashion, shoes & pop culture finds
    ✨ Journals, coloring books & creative inspo
    ✨ Games, home decor & so much more

    Everything we love. Everything you need. #ADDTOCART


    SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.

    We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!

    Resources Are Available

    If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

    follow the sober curator on pinterest

    Follow The Sober Curator on Pinterest

    Love what you read? #sharesobriety

    • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
    • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
    • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
    • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
    • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
    • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit

    Related

    12 step coloring books adult coloring art therapy curated crafts recovery coloring books sober coloring books sober pop culture
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Alysse Bryson
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn

    Alysse Bryson is the founder and publisher of The Sober Curator, redefining modern sobriety as aspirational, entertaining, and culturally significant. Sober since 2006, she’s a former media executive turned cultural voice proving the comeback is always better than the origin story.

    Related Posts

    Nashville Season 5 Review

    Nashville’s Final Seasons Were About Grief, Collapse, and Rebuilding a Life

    July 16, 2026
    The Small Bow and Ask a Sober Oldster

    I’m The Sober Curator, and I Just Found “Ask a Sober Oldster” and “The Small Bow”

    July 13, 2026
    Hollywood’s ’80s Addiction Tropes_ A Sober Review of The Morning After, Ironweed, Barfly, and Drugstore Cowboy

    Hollywood’s ’80s Addiction Tropes: A Sober Review of The Morning After, Ironweed, Barfly, and Drugstore Cowboy

    July 13, 2026

    Comments are closed.

    TSC X Podcast Impact Studio Collab
    Audible
    SOBERSCRIBE AND GET ON THE LIST!
    7 events found.
    • Week of July 13
    • Previous week
    • Next week
    7:00 pm
    Sober Curious: A Musical Cabaret
    July 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm EDT

    Sober Curious: A Musical Cabaret

    St. Bartholomew's Church 109 East 50th Street, New York
    8:00 pm
    Speak Now with Swift Steps featuring Laura McKowen from The Luckiest Club – Virtual
    July 14 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm EDT

    Speak Now with Swift Steps featuring Laura McKowen from The Luckiest Club – Virtual

    Virtual
    6:00 pm
    An Evening with Cara Benson — An Armsfull of Birds | BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator
    July 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

    An Evening with Cara Benson — An Armsfull of Birds | BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator

    Virtual
    Virtual Event
    Free
    All Day
    Serenity in the Sierras
    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    1900 Jameson Beach Rd 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe
    All Day
    Serenity in the Sierras
    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    1900 Jameson Beach Rd 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe
    7:00 pm
    Laughter Is My Rehab: The Recovery Edition
    July 17 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm EDT

    Laughter Is My Rehab: The Recovery Edition

    Hub 757 6801 Bridgeway Dr., Suffolk
    All Day
    Serenity in the Sierras
    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    1900 Jameson Beach Rd 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe
    6:00 am
    Daybreaker – Let’s Be Friends Tour | NYC
    July 18 @ 6:00 am - 9:00 am EDT

    Daybreaker – Let’s Be Friends Tour | NYC

    All Day
    Serenity in the Sierras
    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    1900 Jameson Beach Rd 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe
    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    Serenity in the Sierras

    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    Serenity in the Sierras Sober weekend of camping, meetings, fun and fellowship for the family. Serenity in the Sierras Join us for Serenity in the Sierras, an uplifting weekend of sober

    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    July 16 - July 19

    Serenity in the Sierras

    Monday, July 13, 2026

    • July 13, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
      Sober Curious: A Musical Cabaret
    • July 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm EDT

      Sober Curious: A Musical Cabaret

      Sober Curious: A Musical Cabaret Original folk-rock music by Michael Levin featuring stories of hope, recovery, and resilience live in NYC. Join us in person for Sober Curious: A Musical Cabar-AA!

    Tuesday, July 14, 2026

    • July 14, 2026 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
      Speak Now with Swift Steps featuring Laura McKowen from The Luckiest Club – Virtual
    • July 14 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm EDT

      Speak Now with Swift Steps featuring Laura McKowen from The Luckiest Club – Virtual

      Speak Now with Swift Steps featuring Laura McKowen from The Luckiest Club - Virtual   What is Shift Steps?  Recovery and healing resonate here because we've been there too. Swift

    Wednesday, July 15, 2026

    • Virtual Event
      July 15, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
      An Evening with Cara Benson — An Armsfull of Birds | BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator
    • Virtual Event
      July 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT

      An Evening with Cara Benson — An Armsfull of Birds | BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator

      An Evening with Cara Benson — An Armsfull of Birds | BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator Cara Benson did not come to love the easy way. She crawled through New

      Free

    Thursday, July 16, 2026

    No events on this day.

    Friday, July 17, 2026

    • July 17, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
      Laughter Is My Rehab: The Recovery Edition
    • July 17 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm EDT

      Laughter Is My Rehab: The Recovery Edition

      Laughter Is My Rehab: The Recovery Edition Join us for laughs and healing, where humor meets recovery in a fun, feel-good hangout!

    Saturday, July 18, 2026

    • July 18, 2026 6:00 am - 9:00 am
      Daybreaker – Let’s Be Friends Tour | NYC
    • July 18 @ 6:00 am - 9:00 am EDT

      Daybreaker – Let’s Be Friends Tour | NYC

      Daybreaker - Let's Be Friends Tour | NYC DAYBREAKER AT ONE TIMES SQUARE POWERED BY DJ LOVERS CLUB On the heels of a sold-out, iconic sunrise with Mahmut Orhan b2b

    Sunday, July 19, 2026

    No events on this day.

    View Calendar
    The Sober Curator
    Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok YouTube Pinterest
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • LINKS DISCLAIMER
    • EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
    • TERMS OF SERVICE
    • REFUND POLICY
    • DON’T SELL MY INFO
    • DATA SUBJECT REQUEST FORM
    • CONTACT US
    © 2026 The Sober Curator - Benefits of a Alcohol Free Lifestyle

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.