Sunday May 1st, 2016 De-Stress at Your Library

Ways that the Library can help you to de-stress and lead a more joyful life 

With Mental Health Week coming up May 4 through 10, I am reminded again of how important it is to take time for oneself and to deal with stress. Every person deserves to be happy and fulfilled and if you are not feeling that way yourself this week – first, take a deep breath, unclench your jaw and sit back. 

For my part, I will share with you my top ten tips for how you can use your Library to help you in your efforts to become more centered, relaxed and joyful. 

1. Read something funny!  Pick out a biography from someone you find amusing, or a comedy on DVD or a book by Arthur Black or David Sedaris. Curl up. Read. Repeat
2. Borrow some relaxation, meditative music or New Age CDs – we have a big selection along with lullabies for babies (and tired parents).
3. Learn about mindfulness – a cognitive therapy which teaches one to become more aware of patterns of thinking, to live more in the moment and be kinder to oneself.
4. Browse through books on a subject which gives you pleasure, whether it is house plans for that dream house, knitting patterns or cook books. Indulge your creative side and make something. 
5. Bring children to the Library for a story time or puppet show or just for some unstructured play. They might discover the Thomas the Tank Engine set, or the wooden puzzles or “Tuggy the Tugboat”. Oh the places that boat has been!  
6. Visit the MakerSpace at Waverley. Bring kids and your sense of wonder as you watch the 3-D printer or get your hands dirty on “Tear Down Tuesdays” as you explore the inner workings of a toaster. 
7. Join a book club. There are several at the Library and I always hear the members laughing so I think they must be on to something.
8. Take in a free program, whether it is meditation, financial advice or an armchair travel series. Get out of the house and meet and mingle.
9. Stream calming music from the Naxos database when you have to work on your computer. Naxos is available at www.tbpl.ca/onlinestuff and you can listen to the best classical or soothing relaxation music. 
10. Do something nice for someone else. This never fails to make me feel better. Donate a gently used book. Make a memorial donation in honour of someone you loved.  Consider volunteering with the Friends of the Library or as a reading partner for children this summer. 

I will close with a quote from that very smart bear, Winnie the Pooh - “Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” 

Angela Meady