Photo: zini__pang on Instagram 

While many of us may have grown up doodling in colouring books, a newly rising trend has led us to the advent of colouring books designed specifically for grownups. Adult colouring books are now officially popular, and have charmed the artistic set along with fashionistas and bloggers alike.

In an interview with CNN, Marygrace Berberian, a certified art therapist and Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator at New York University’s Graduate Art Therapy Program, described the mental health benefits of colouring.

“Coloring definitely has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring [about] more mindfulness,” said Berberian to CNN.

Photo: alicaitrin on Instagram 

For anyone looking to express themselves through a creative medium, colouring books may provide relaxation as well as a form of low stress entertainment. Today, artsy grownups can colour everything from enchanted forests and couture gowns to intricate abstract designs and luxurious gardens. If you’re looking to channel your inner child, try picking up a colouring book which features the likes of Frozen characters, butterflies or historic ships.

While it may be too early to predict how long this trend will reign supreme, it’s clear that colouring books left their mark on fans in the past year.

In fact, Amazon recently announced in a post-holiday release that an adult colouring book was in the online retailer’s list of top three books of the season. Colour us surprised, but we think picking up the crayons in 2016 just may be a cool new alternative to your painting class!