Ever notice how getting lost in a simple creative task—like coloring—can make the noise of the world fade away? There’s a reason behind that. Behavioral therapy tells us that activities like coloring and creating mandalas aren’t just fun—they’re actually powerful tools to manage anxiety and reduce stress.

Let’s break down why this works, and how you can use it as a legit self-care strategy.

The Therapeutic Power of Coloring Coloring isn’t just for kids. In recent years, adult coloring books have surged in popularity—and not by accident. They’ve found their way into therapy offices, wellness routines, and stress-relief strategies for good reason.

From a behavioral therapy perspective, coloring is considered a form of behavioral activation—a therapeutic technique that helps people engage in meaningful or enjoyable activities to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we’re anxious, we tend to spiral into overthinking and avoidance. Coloring gives the brain something simple, structured, and soothing to focus on, interrupting that cycle.

Why Mandalas? The Science Behind the Circle Mandalas—circular geometric designs—have been used in cultures around the world for centuries as a spiritual and meditative tool. In therapy, mandala coloring specifically taps into the calming effects of symmetry, balance, and repetition.

Here’s how mandalas help:

Visual symmetry creates a sense of order, which can be grounding during moments of stress.

The act of coloring within circular, repetitive patterns can trigger a relaxation response—slowing the heart rate and breathing, reducing muscle tension, and easing mental chatter.

Mandalas also encourage mindfulness, drawing your attention to the present moment without judgment—an essential skill taught in many behavioral therapies.

Coloring as Mindful Distraction One of the core techniques in behavioral therapy is redirecting attention away from anxious thoughts and toward something non-threatening and engaging. Coloring acts as a mindful distraction: it’s repetitive enough to be soothing, but mentally engaging enough to pull your focus away from rumination.

This is especially helpful for people who experience:

Generalized anxiety

Panic attacks

Stress-related insomnia

Overstimulation from screens or social media

Coloring as a Self-Soothing Strategy In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), another form of behavioral therapy, self-soothing with the senses is often recommended as a coping skill. Coloring taps into multiple senses—visual, tactile, even auditory when paired with calming music—making it a great self-regulation tool.

When you color:

Your brain produces dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical.

You enter a “flow state,” a period of full immersion in a task that promotes calm.

You shift from the overactive fight-or-flight system to the rest-and-digest system.

How to Get Started You don’t need to be an artist or invest in fancy tools. Start simple:

Grab a coloring book (there are even apps if you prefer digital).

Print out a mandala design.

Set aside 10–20 minutes of quiet time.

Let go of “doing it right”—the goal is relaxation, not perfection.

Bonus tip: Pair coloring with calming music, herbal tea, or aromatherapy for an even deeper relaxation experience.

Final Thoughts Coloring and mandalas might seem like small, even silly activities—but don’t underestimate their psychological impact. Through the lens of behavioral therapy, they offer structure, mindfulness, and soothing sensory input—making them a surprisingly effective tool in your anxiety management toolbox.

Next time you feel your stress levels rising, skip the doom scrolling and reach for some colored pencils instead. You just might find that peace of mind lives in a handful of crayons and a simple circle.

Have you tried coloring or mandalas as a relaxation tool? Let us know how it’s worked for you in the comments—or share your favorite designs! 🎨