Stress Relief: Wine, Coloring Book, or Both?

Adult coloring books are all the rage for those trying to seek another form of stress relief. For me, stress relief equals a chilled martini in a piping hot bathtub while listening to an audio book (or Taylor Swift depending on my mood). I guess I should add coloring books to the mix?

Let’s start at the beginning. “Art therapy” started forming in the late 18th century, while the profession became official in the mid 20th century.

When it comes to coloring specifically, that came into trend just over a year ago. Gabe Coeli, the creative director of Blue Star Coloring, told the Huffington Post in 2015 that they were the first coloring book outfit to tout the benefits of coloring and stress relief. Either way, the adult coloring book was the gift of the season this past holiday – and not for children. Struggling to find a great gift for your overworked millennial child/relative/friend? Reach for the coloring book!

But wait…before you start wrapping that in Star Wars themed wrapping paper, let’s also consider other ways to de-stress. Such as…a glass (or few) of wine!

You may have heard of the compound resveratrol, which is found in red wine. Resveratrol has been tied to a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and other conditions. Even better (because what’s better than preventing heart disease?), a small dose of resveratrol can help your body better deal with stress.

So an adult coloring book + a bottle of red wine + a monogrammed wine glass = the perfect gift for your stressed out millennial (Hint: that can even be yourself!).

Cheers to a zen-like existence, be it with a coloring book or in the tub. But always with a glass in hand.