By Michelle Waltos

Librarian

This can be a stressful time of the year. For some, the fast-approaching holidays are accompanied by concerns over finances, family issues, and planning for festivities. For others, just the thought of short days and a long winter are enough to bring one’s spirit down.

What can help us survive the season and get us through the winter doldrums? Try adult coloring! The Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) in Brewerton hosts a free Adult Coloring session from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday.

The popularity of adult coloring has grown significantly over the last few years, and this is a great time of the year to give it a try. Adult coloring engages one’s senses, creativity, and imagination. The activity requires focus, meaning it naturally helps us to remove our focus from whatever is causing our tension or anxiety.

Besides reducing stress, it turns out that adult coloring is actually beneficial to our brain. The activity utilizes both hemispheres of the brain, connecting left-brain logic, problem solving and fine motor skills to right-brain creativity, color choice, balance and aesthetics.

Not to be minimized, another benefit is that adult coloring forces us to unplug from our devices and actually create something rather than simply consuming content.

Adult coloring does not require any special skills or knowledge, so it’s easy for anyone to get started. It makes for an excellent indoor activity to do during the winter season, and it can be enjoyed regardless of your age, gender or mobility. We look forward to seeing you at the library’s next Adult Coloring session!

NOPL at Brewerton Library is located at 5440 Bennett St. in Brewerton. For more information call 676-7484.