This Wednesday marks National Relaxation Day and a bus company is handing out colouring books to commuters, after studies show colouring reduces stress and boosts mental clarity.

With recent claims that colouring offers a means of stress relief, adult colouring books have been soaring in popularity in recent years.

To help commuters feel more ‘zen’ on National Relaxation Day, Arriva is handing out colouring books and pens at Waltham Cross Rail Station on August 15 along with an m-ticket offer for 10 per cent off weekly or 25 per cent off four-weekly tickets.

A total of 1,000 colouring books are being handed out to allow commuters blow off steam on their busy journeys.

Craig Taylor, marketing manager for Arriva Herts and Essex, said: “In such a fast-paced world, it can be difficult for busy people to find the time to relax. Adult colouring books have been praised for their calming effects and offer a fun way to relieve stress, so we wanted to put them into practice in Waltham Cross, while also offering our passengers a discount to brighten their day.

“We hope our commuters will be inspired by the initiative and that it helps them relax, even for just a few minutes a day.”