I admit it: I love to color in coloring books and yes, I’m 17 and I can drive a car.  I know I’m not the only teen or adult obsessed colorer.  My cousin Katie, now a junior at an ivy league college loves nothing better than a good coloring book.

The thing I love most about coloring is its calming, relaxing effect.  It is mindless, no decision to make except choosing a color.  And I love, love, love, all the colors, and all of the implements;  colored pencils, crayons, markers and the smells. Most of all, I guess, I love having to think in the box for a change.

So as you start this new school year, and begin to experience all of the stresses, anxieties and crap that school, parents, coaches etc., lay on you, give coloring a try.

Here are some great – not your usual – coloring books I found one my favorite websites: iheartdaily.

♥ Ryan Gosling Colour Me Good, I Love Mel ($12, pictured). If we can’t have him in real life to bring us flowers, smile slyly and do the Dirty Dancing lift, we’ll settle for this pen and ink version. I may color his abs first (yes, there’s a shirtless page).

♥ Boy Bands, teamart ($9). Before One Direction, there were… well, a lot of other boy bands. And they were cute too. Check ‘em out, maybe color them in.

♥ My Wonderful World of Shoes, Chronicle Books ($16). Fill in Kabuki pumps, 1970s clogs and Parisian heels with your pretty color choices. You’ll feel like you’re on Project Runway.