Coloring books aren’t just a childhood pastime anymore. Neuroscientists have proven the mental, emotional and intellectual health benefits coloring books offer teens and adults. When you experience immense feelings of stress your first idea may not be to whip out a coloring book but maybe it should be.

According to the huffington post coloring can relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders, stress disorders, eating disorders, anger and substance abuse issues. The time and focus that coloring takes helps the individual forget about their issues and dangerous habits.

Coloring also provides intellectual benefits. Since coloring utilizes both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. When you decide on a color choice you are working on problem solving skills. When we are applying colored pencil to paper, you are improving your motor skills.

The colors you use while coloring can actually improve your mood. Cool colors (blue, green or purple) can be calming, warm colors (red, orange or yellow) can pick up your mood, bright colors can be energizing and dark colors can be relaxing.

Coloring books are no longer just marketed towards children either, so you won’t be forced to color in pictures of Spongebob. There are books dedicated to releasing anger and personal interests such as music, animals and gardening.

Coloring books may be an unusual remedy for mental and emotional distress but their effectiveness is undeniable.