Election season is beating in on all of us. People in schools are hitting that mid-semester deluge. And then things are always just…exciting and interesting.

If you join me in feeling kind of overwhelmed by all of this, then join me in working past it.

We have talked about stress management in our podcast episodes, and in some of our other material. And it’s always worth talking about again.

Stress is an ongoing issue in our profession. When your job is helping people, solving their problems, and fixing things for them – it drains you. It’s important to take time to refresh and recharge – not just as a nice idea, but as a fundamental thing you need to do to keep doing your best work.

Let’s walk through some ideas for reducing your stress levels, and increasing your happiness levels.

• Stop. Take a deep breath. Breathe out. Do it again. This sounds simplistic, but ceasing movement and bringing in extra oxygen will help to give your brain a quick boost.
• Smile. I’m usually annoyed by this as advice; but if you are in a momentary situation, a quick smile will tell your brain to change directions at least for a minute or so.
• Walk. Or run, jump, skip, hurdle, row, cycle – whatever movement you enjoy.  Movement will get blood flowing around your brain, bringing it more oxygen and other good stuff. Exercise over time will help your brain to keep its chemicals balanced, which will let you feel happier and less stressed and anxious. You don’t have to be a great athlete – just move around until you are a little breathless.  Do that each day. It will help.
• Watch some calming videos. I definitely enjoy Kitten Academy – tiny kittens playing together until they are adopted to their fur-ever homes to be spoiled and happy.  I also like to watch relaxation videos on YouTube. Just type that into the search, and you will be presented with tons of choices.
• Close your eyes. Meditation or prayer can help you to get hold of your racing emotions, thoughts, and wild ideas. Doing this regularly can cause structural changes to your brain that will help you to be calmer, more balanced, and more centered. It’s not a trick – it’s science. Go with it.
  • You can freestyle this, doing what makes you feel good here, or there are a ton of apps that are helpful. I’m using Headspace right now, and it has absolutely helped me to be calmer and more balanced. (I get nothing at all if you download, or if you pay them – you don’t have to; so enjoy if you wish, or find another app that helps you!)

You might be drawn toward less-helpful strategies to temporarily help you to feel better. Binging on Ben and Jerry’s, alcohol, or other drugs may be relaxing in the moment.  It may not be a good long-term solution for you, so give some thought to strategies for stress management that don’t have negative side effects.

We like you, and we need you to be here and wonderful for libraries. The fewer negative side effects we can all have, the better off we are all likely to feel.

Hang in there. Breathe. Do it again. Don’t forget that part.

We are a big community of library people, all working toward a wonderful library world. You are part of it.

Relax. Breathe. Feel good.