Bringing back a childhood hobby into adult zen. 

By Brittany Tiplady
@yellowbird888

Self-help books and ativan are slowly taking a back seat to the new phenomenon of Adult Colouring therapy.

Some are confident that colouring has led to mindfulness, meditation, and stress relief. Banyen Books on West 4th, Vancouver’s spiritual and healing haven, carry shelves of colour therapy practices for the stressed out grown-up.

Chapters, as well, has adult colouring therapy books next to the New York Times best sellers and Kate Spade decor. But does it really work?

STRETCH Vancouver, a Chinatown event hub and yoga studio, hosted a Adult Colouring Therapy workshop on the Winter Solstice to celebrate the space’s one year anniversary.

Guided by Lisa Gibson, the afternoon provided snacks, tea, colouring supplies, and artwork to take home. Gibson’s guided meditations through breath, mindfulness and colour infused the zen space with serenity.

In a hectic season of planning and consumerism, two hours of colouring felt like taking a hot bubble bath. Both relaxing and stimulating, the workshop did not disappoint, and did wonders for the holiday anxiety.

Check out STRETCH Vancouver online for more workshops and events.

Brittany Tiplady is a part-time poet, and a full-time goat cheese enthusiast. She loves the indoors, fast wifi, collecting maps, and a generous glass of red wine.