Studies have shown that artistic activities, like drawing, coloring or painting, can minimize anxiety and combat negative moods. "Paint-by-number kits can divert attention from picking the right colors or painting perfectly, thus helping individuals let go, have fun, and enjoy the process," says Leela R. Magavi, M.D., a psychiatrist and Regional Medical Director for Community Psychiatry. Even perfectionists who find art anxiety-inducing may find some calm when painting by numbers. For that reason, some individuals who are perfectionistic may fixate on painting things in a specific way and may actually experience more anxiety for this reason," says Dr. Magavi. Always talk to your healthcare provider if your anxiety goes beyond the occasional, everyday worry as this may be the sign of anxiety disorder, which requires.