There is a particular kind of discomfort that comes with losing an opportunity you really wanted, especially when you have to keep showing up around the people who got it. You congratulate them and participate in conversations about their experiences, listen to the stories, and watch them enjoy something you had hoped to be part of.
While you can genuinely be happy for other people, you may still find yourself wondering what things would have looked like if the outcome had been different for you.
I found myself in that position recently. Being around people who got an opportunity I missed forced me to sit with feelings I couldn’t simply brush aside. It made me reflect on disappointment and the uncomfortable feeling of watching life unfold differently from how you imagined it.
But it also made me think about where I was directing my energy. How much time was I spending thinking about what I had missed? What could I do with all the energy I was giving to something I could no longer change?
Somewhere in the middle of those reflections, I started sketching and exploring colouring as a way to occupy my mind and reconnect with myself. I didn’t necessarily set out to find a solution to disappointment. I just needed something that allowed me to slow down, focus on what was in front of me, and create something with my hands. And there was something comforting about that.
For once, I didn’t have to compete, prove a point, or measure my progress against somebody else’s. I could sit with a pencil, work through a drawing, experiment with colours, and let the rest of the world carry on without feeling like I had to catch up. Subsequently, it taught me that sometimes, when life doesn’t give you the outcome you want, you have to find other ways to pour into yourself. Not everything has to become a lesson in productivity or a grand comeback story. Sometimes, you simply need an activity that brings you back to the present.
For me, that became part of the appeal of sketching and adult colouring books, and they offered a small, quiet space to redirect my attention, process my feelings, and remember that my life was still happening, even when one particular opportunity didn’t work out.
And that is one of the things I find interesting about adult colouring books: they give us a reason to slow down in a world that constantly encourages us to keep up.
It’s a little permission slip to do nothing but enjoy the moment.
A Break From the Noise
One of the most appealing things about colouring is that it gives your attention somewhere gentle to land. Instead of overthinking, unanswered messages, work deadlines, or the many things you need to get done, you can focus on the lines in front of you, the colours you want to use, and the small decisions that bring a page to life.
Adult colouring books might seem like a childhood activity repackaged for grown-ups, but there is something surprisingly comforting about them. In a world where we are constantly expected to be productive, available, and mentally switched on, colouring offers an opportunity to slow down without feeling like we have to accomplish anything significant.
This kind of focused activity can encourage mindfulness; the practice of paying attention to the present moment rather than getting caught up in your thoughts. You don’t have to clear your mind completely or achieve some perfect state of peace. You just begin.
Creativity Without the Pressure
Not everyone considers themselves an artist, and that’s perfectly fine. Adult colouring books allow you to explore your creative side without the pressure of starting with a blank page.
There is no need to worry about whether you can draw or the proportions are correct, or whether someone else will appreciate your work. The outline is already there. You get to decide what happens next.
You can experiment with colours, create unexpected combinations, and let your imagination wander. There is no single correct way to finish a page. Sometimes, the freedom to create without worrying about the outcome is exactly what makes an activity enjoyable.
The Comfort of Doing Something With Your Hands
We spend so much of our time doomscrolling that sitting down with coloured pencils, markers, or crayons can feel like a chore.
The physical experience of choosing a pencil, filling in a space, and watching a picture gradually take shape gives you something tangible to engage with. It can be satisfying to see little, visible progress without the pressure of meeting a deadline. For some people, this process can feel grounding, particularly after a long or mentally demanding day.
A Small Routine of Self-Care
Relaxation doesn’t always have to involve expensive spa appointments, weekend getaways, or elaborate wellness routines. Sometimes, it can be as simple as setting aside 15 minutes for yourself.
Put your phone away, find a comfortable spot, choose a page, and colour at your own pace. You can play some instrumental jazz in the background, make a cup of tea, or enjoy the quiet. The goal isn’t to finish the entire book in one sitting. It’s to give yourself a little space to breathe. And if your mind wanders while you’re colouring, that’s okay, too. There is no pressure to get it right.
You Don’t Have to Be Good at It
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about adult colouring is that it doesn’t require you to be exceptionally talented, particularly productive, or even in a good mood. You can colour outside the lines or change your mind halfway through a page. You can leave a drawing unfinished and return to it another day.
The experience matters more than the finished picture. Adult colouring books are not a cure for chronic stress or anxiety, but they can be a simple, accessible activity that supports relaxation and gives you a constructive break from everyday demands. Sometimes, taking care of yourself means doing less, not more. And sometimes, all you need is a blank space waiting to be filled with colour.
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