Stress gets the best of us at times.
Stressed people often run to medication, habitual ticks and meditation for relief from the overbearing feeling of being utterly overwhelmed.
Adult coloring has recently become a trend for those who have fallen victim to stress caused by schoolwork, job responsibilities and financial issues.
The Auburn Public Library hosts Adult Coloring Club every Thursday from noon–1 p.m in the conference room.
Ashley Brown, engagement and outreach librarian, facilitates the group and colors while working.
Once adult coloring became popular, the library wanted to provide a calming environment for adults to color and engage with other club members, Brown said.
“Coloring is relaxing, and we know this because we give children coloring sheets and they sit, color and are quiet,” Brown said. “It’s the same with adults.”
Brown said she feels an element of zen after an hour of coloring.
Music plays as those coloring select markers and colored pencils from the large assortment spread along the table.
People from all areas of the county come to release what stress has built up over the past couple days and speak with other coloring enthusiasts.
Numbers for the club have grown since the first meeting, and the library welcomes community members to join the table and grab a marker.
Kahlia Giles, at-home customer service agent, said she feels the same way as Brown after leaving the coloring club on Thursdays.
Giles has attended coloring club twice now and has been impressed with the environment and the relaxing results.
“I noticed a difference when I left — it gets rid of the stress from the day,” Giles said. “It’s therapeutic to sit down and color.”
Giles enjoys coloring flowers with many different vibrant colors in no particular order.
Her favorite color is blue. Giles said people should join the group for conversation, relaxation and to meet others.
Cynthia Ledbetter, programming specialist for the Auburn Public Library, takes a break in between storytimes to color with the group.
Ledbetter works with children every day and said she greatly enjoys time to color in peace with other adults.
Ledbetter has always loved coloring, because it is a chance for unartistic people to feel artistic.
“It’s relaxing,” Ledbetter said. “You don’t have to think. You just let you mind wander.”
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