It is not news to anyone reading this: working in a library is hard. Doing any kind of public-facing customer service work is always hard, and right now a lot of things are coming together to make it more complicated.

We can’t fix that for you. Sorry.

But this semester, we are going to provide small weekly stress-management/happiness builder ideas. They aren’t going to make all your issues magically solve themselves. But, everyone can use a reminder to take a step back and breathe.

This week we are looking at another one of these small actions that may feel silly. Or you may have read articles that over-rely on this one as a way of keeping yourself stable and happy. Keep in mind that that this is just one piece of all the small things you can do to help to move your needle toward the happier end of the scale.

Add positive affirmations to your day! Get a daily calendar that says gives you a happy fact or a nice thing to say each day. Put a sticker on your bathroom mirror. Leave notes in your refrigerator. Make the background on your computer or phone something positive.

And of course, it’s good for you to share around those affirmations. Drop them on places your family or roommates will see them. Share with your colleagues. Mail cards to your friends. (Don’t be a pest, obviously; know how to read the situation and see whether this is something that would be welcome or annoying.)

You know what? You are doing a great job today. We are really proud of you!