Do you remember the joy of picking up crayons and drawing freely on paper as a child? How about now—when was the last time you craved coloring materials and created a bright, imaginative world of your own?
National Coloring Book Day, celebrated every August 2nd, highlights the joy and relaxation that coloring brings. It might sound silly to some — but that’s exactly the point. This day is not just for children; it’s for everyone, regardless of age.
Children naturally love colors. From television shows to clothes, vibrant colors are intentionally used to support their emotional and cognitive development. But as we grow older, we often trade vivid colors for neutral tones, the kind that don’t draw attention. Adults who wear bright clothes or color their hair are sometimes unfairly labeled as "upstaging," "overacting," or even as harsh as "addicts" — a sign of how society discourages bold self-expression.
This day is dedicated to our inner child — free from stress and worry. It is an invitation to revisit the world of imagination we once cherished but may have abandoned. A world before fear and trauma. A world filled with courage, creativity, and dreams. Just as colors aid a child’s development, they also benefit adults through their therapeutic effect on emotional well-being.
Mental health challenges often flood our minds with overwhelming thoughts. Color, in its simplicity, can help clear that clutter — supporting emotional release, enhancing focus, encouraging creativity, and even improving sleep.
So if you're feeling down, try picking up a coloring book. And remember the words of Pablo Picasso,"Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions."