Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. — KILLINGTON — The Sherburne Memorial Library is offering two de-stress/cabin fever workshops in adult coloring. The first will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m.
Coloring is an activity that we tend to associate with children. As we grow older, we put aside our crayons and colored pencils in favor of more respectable writing utensils like pens and highlighters. However, it turns out coloring can be beneficial for adults, namely for its de-stressing power. The practice generates wellness, quietness and also stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses and creativity. In fact, publishers have lately been launching coloring books specifically for adults. The trend is alive and well in countries in Europe and North America.
In simplest terms, coloring has a de-stressing effect because when we focus on a particular activity, we focus on it and not on our worries. But it also “brings out our imagination and takes us back to our childhood, a period in which we most certainly had a lot less stress.” This leads us immediately and unconsciously to welfare, explains psychologist Antoni Martínez. “I recommend it as a relaxation technique,” he says. “We can use it to enter into a more creative, freer state.” We can also use it to connect with how we feel, since depending on our mood we choose different colors or intensity. “I myself have practiced that. I recommend it in a quiet environment, even with chill music. Let the color and the lines flow,” Martinez adds.
Stop in to the library on Saturday, Feb. 28 or for the second session on Wednesday, March 11 at 1 p.m. A little music, a cup of coffee or tea, along with some time spent coloring — you don’t even have to stay inside the lines — and you’ll leave with a renewed sense of peace, creativity and a beautiful piece of art to frame.
Coming up, April is National Poetry Month and the library would love to display work from local poets. Never written a poem before? That’s okay! The library is taking submissions from anyone who would like to participate. Work will be mounted and on display within the library for the month of April. Email poems to director@sherburnelibrary.org or drop them by the library any time it is open. All ages are encouraged to participate. For children under 18, please include a first name and age. For adults, please include your name and town of residence. Poems will be returned to poets at the end of April.
Sherburne Memorial Library is located at 2998 River Road, Killington. For more info, call 802-422-9765.
