Not all screen time is harmful to mental wellbeing. While smartphones are often associated with distraction and anxiety, new research suggests that certain digital activities may actually help people relax.

Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered that colouring pictures on electronic devices can offer psychological benefits comparable to those of using pencils and paper.

The findings, published in the Journal of Mental Health in October 2026, suggest that simple creative activities could provide an accessible way for university students to manage everyday stress.

What The Researchers Discovered

The study involved nearly 300 university students who participated in a two-week mindful colouring programme.

Participants were divided into two groups. Approximately half used traditional coloured pencils and paper, while the others completed similar activities using digital colouring applications.

Everyone was asked to attend at least six colouring sessions during the study.

Researchers assessed psychological wellbeing before and after the programme through questionnaires measuring stress, mindfulness, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Both groups reported significant improvements, suggesting that digital colouring may be just as beneficial as traditional methods.

Why Colouring Helps People Relax

Colouring may appear to be a simple recreational activity, but it requires concentration and attention.

Selecting colours, following patterns and completing illustrations encourage people to focus on the present moment.

This process resembles mindfulness, which involves deliberately paying attention to immediate experiences without unnecessary judgement.

Concentrating on a creative task may temporarily interrupt repetitive worries and provide relief from stressful thoughts.

Unlike activities requiring artistic training, colouring is accessible to people with different creative abilities.

The finished picture is less important than the experience of completing it.

Digital Activities Can Have Benefits

Discussions about smartphone use frequently emphasise potential negative consequences, including excessive scrolling and disrupted sleep. However, the researchers suggest that the purpose of screen use deserves greater attention.

Digital colouring applications encourage active engagement with colours, shapes and patterns rather than passive consumption of constantly changing content.

Emma Palmer-Cooper, an associate professor of psychology who led the research, emphasised that different digital activities can have different effects on wellbeing.

The findings challenge the assumption that reducing all screen time is necessarily the most effective approach to supporting mental health.

Who Benefits The Most?

The researchers found that participants who reported poorer wellbeing before the programme experienced the greatest improvements.

This is particularly relevant for university students, who may face academic pressure, financial concerns and difficulties adjusting to unfamiliar environments.

Moving away from home can also mean losing regular contact with established support networks.

A short creative activity may provide a manageable opportunity to relax during demanding periods.

However, the study relied on self-reported psychological measures, and its findings do not establish that colouring can treat diagnosed mental health conditions.

How To Try Mindful Colouring

Getting started requires little preparation.

Choose a colouring book or digital application featuring patterns that you find enjoyable.

Set aside a short period without unnecessary notifications and concentrate on the activity rather than the finished result.

There is no need to create a perfect picture or follow complicated artistic rules.

Although colouring will not appeal to everyone, it offers an inexpensive option for incorporating mindful activity into everyday routines.

The research suggests that even familiar digital devices can become useful tools for relaxation when used intentionally, providing another way for students to support their emotional wellbeing.