TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore.

You don’t have to look far to find coloring books made for adults. Besides passing time creatively, coloring apparently offers some mental health benefits.

“Coloring definitely has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring [about] more mindfulness,” Marygrace Berberian, a certified art therapist, told CNN back in January.

Research has proved that anxiety levels dropped when subjects colored mandalas, the report reads, which are round frames with geometric patterns inside.

According to the Jan. 6 article:

Just like meditation, coloring also allows us to switch off our brains from other thoughts and focus only on the moment, helping to alleviate free-floating anxiety.

It can be particularly effective for people who aren't comfortable with more creatively expressive forms of art, says Berberian. "My experience has been that those participants who are more guarded find a lot of tranquility in coloring an image. It feels safer and it creates containment around their process," she adds.

Every third Thursday of the month, including today, Barnes & Noble in Twin Falls offers a two-hour community coloring event from 6-8 p.m. at the store. You can bring your own coloring book or buy one at the store. Markers and pencils are provided for use, said store manager Michelle Daley, but you may also bring your own. Those who participate receive 10 percent off their cafeteria purchases.

The store held its first coloring event in May, she said, and will continue as long as there’s an interest. Daley was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who turned out at the first event.

“It was such a success last time,” she said.

The store offers many other family-oriented events, including these upcoming June events:

11 a.m. Saturday, June 18
Father’s Day Storytime
Two books will be read to honor dads, grandpas and caregivers.

7 p.m. Friday, June 24
Relive the Magic of Harry Potter
Activities include coloring, trivia, and the opportunity to participate in the assembly of an 875-piece 3D puzzle of the Hogwarts Astronomy Tower. You can also enter the “Harry Potter Limited Edition Cover Print Sweepstakes.”

11 a.m. Saturday, June 25
Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery Storytime
A funny, whimsical story for children by author and illustrator David Gordon will make your young ones believe in themselves.

For questions or more information, contact Barnes & Noble at 733-5554.

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