WEB EXCLUSIVE Students met in advisory groups instead of assembly to fill in coloring books with peers or catch up on schoolwork

“A quiet exercise for your brain like meditation where you are searching your thoughts for something to focus on can be really difficult for a lot of people,” Director of Student Support Annie Egan said. “But with coloring, you can focus on what is in front of you versus just letting your mind wander aimlessly.”

Egan works as a student counsellor and oversees advisory meetings. She plans activities such as coloring to engage students in active meditation.

“When everyone is a little bit stressed out, it is nice to just spend 20 minutes of advisory coloring, hanging out and giving students a good opportunity to de-stress,” junior Dena Silver said.

Coloring sheets which can include pictures of plants, animals or mystical creatures are some of the most effective stress relievers, according to Egan.

“I have always liked art because it challenges your brain in a different way, but can also help you relax,” freshman Madison Wong said. “I believe coloring helps you to relieve yourself from schoolwork and lets you take a break from all your problems.”

Finals are from May 28 to June 3.  Students can use coloring and other methods of meditation as a tool to help them de-stress.

“Securing some of that time to calm your body and calm your brain allows you to take a break from what is stressing you,” Egan said. “So whether you’re coloring, walking outside, or taking a shower, the only important thing about a stress reducer is that you find something that works for you.”