Can colouring really help you de-stress?

North London-based Laurence King Publishing said that Johanna Basford’s Enchanted Forest, published last month, sold out of its first printing run of 225,980 in weeks, and has now more than doubled the number available. Ms Basford’s first colouring book, Secret Garden, has sold 1.5 million copies since it was published in August 2013. At one point in the past few weeks, both books were ranked first and second in Amazon’s bestsellers list. They have been translated into 24 languages. It has been proven that working with your hands is one of the best ways to soothe anxiety and eliminate stress. This, pocket-sized colouring book offers a practical exercise in mindfulness that draws on your creativity and hones your focus for both children and adults. Beautifully illustrated, The Mindfulness Colouring Book is filled with templates for exquisite scenes and intricate, sophisticated patterns, prompting you to meditate on your artwork as you mindfully and creatively fill these pages with colour. Take a few minutes out of your day, wherever you are, and colour your way to peace and calm. This simple idea has created a new habit for many, it may be due to the childish element of the book that makes many feel out of touch with reality and therefore a relaxing way to spend time. Whatever the reason behind this new found craze, one message is abundantly clear, the simple and sometimes childlike things like a colouring book can still bring a lot of joy  into peoples lives even when things like iphones and laptops are taking over so many peoples lives.