Why adult colouring books could be the antidote to your lockdown anxiety - and the 15 best to buy now

The true toll of Coronavirus – and our multiple lockdowns – most likely won’t be felt for years to come. Whilst the too-high death rate is reported every day, there are all the often unreported effects; job losses, financial difficulties and the impact the past year has had on our nations mental health. Anxiety and other mental health difficulties are at an all time high as we struggle to come to terms with ongoing self-isolation and a drastic change to the way we live our lives.

Self-care, mindfulness and a healthy dose of exercise are just a few ways we can try to keep our mental health in check, and whilst certainly not foolproof, they can go a long way to minimising the harmful effects of lockdown. Another activity you may be surprised to learn can have a positive impact on your mood? The seemingly childlike pastime of colouring in.

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Whilst a wave of adult colouring books became popular around five years ago, there’s been a resurgence in the simple art of picking up a pencil and colouring between the lines. When you consider how incredibly calming it is, it's not hard to see why. With your attention focused away from yourself – not to mention distractions like Instagram – colouring in is akin to meditating, as your brain relaxes and focusses on the present moment only. Who knew achieving a more mindful state was so easy? Plus, unlike your job or other high-stress demands, it doesn't matter how perfectly you perform - so your inner critic can take a break for once.

Besides the therapeutic benefits, it's a time-consuming activity that will help pass the monotony of another day in lockdown, without you even realising. And there's an adult colouring-in book to suit everyone - from tarot cards for the spiritual to swear words (yes really), you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much fun it is - and how soothing.

After more books content? We've got sleep books, cookbooks, poetry books, romance novels, true crime books, autobiographies, vegetarian cookbooks, mental health books and adult colouring books. We've also got coffee table books, summer books, vegan cookbooks and books by black authors. Don't say we don't treat you.

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Scroll down for our picks for the best adult colouring books to buy now.