Stressed? Start colouring to reduce anxiety

Are you unable to cope with stress? Well, its time you start colouring, as it can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Many book stores, departmental chains and even airport gift shops are selling colouring books for adults as a way to destress, relax and calm the mind and body, the Ottawa Citizen reports.

The goofy cartoon characters are now replaced with busy, complex designs and inspiring titles, such as 'Color Me Happy,' 'Color Me Calm' and 'Color Me Stress Free.'

Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford's first book, 'Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book,' is an art therapy book for grown-ups, which is quickly catching on and is one of Amazon's bestsellers.

Bahram Olfati, vice-president of print for Indigo/Chapters, said colouring books were absolutely flying off the shelves, and were one of the most in-demand items at their store.

Olfati added that many of their customers appreciated colouring books as a new creative outlet, while others set aside time for colouring as a way to destress after a long day.