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Happiness in the Library: Mindful Habits

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It’s a tough time for libraries, and people in customer service. And while we don’t want to veer into any toxic positivity, it is good to spend a little time focused on building your happiness level. We are not going to solve people’s serious mental issues here. But bringing some happiness skills to your week can be helpful to everyone!

Mondays can be a little hard, even when things are going fine. Use this small injection of a happiness skill to your week. We are here to support you, and to help you to be a little happier in the library.

We have talked about mindfulness, and ways to help build it in your life. Making it easier is a good way to help you to keep your happiness levels nicely up and moderated.

Check out this article about building your mindfulness habits: Mindful Habits: The Key to a Focused and Balanced Life

“The concept of mindfulness has been practiced for centuries as a way to achieve greater clarity and peace of mind. In recent years, mindfulness has gained popularity as a way to manage stress and improve overall well-being.

Mindful habits are small, intentional actions taken on a daily basis to cultivate greater mindfulness and awareness in our lives.

These habits can range from simple, everyday activities such as taking a few deep breaths before starting the day, to more structured practices such as meditation or journaling.

The key is to be present and attentive in each moment, rather than letting our minds wander or get distracted.

Start small

It’s important to start with small, achievable habits that you can easily integrate into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before starting your day, or setting aside a few minutes for mindfulness meditation.

Be consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to developing mindful habits. Try to practice your chosen habits at the same time each day, and make them a regular part of your routine. This will help to build the habit and make it more automatic and effortless over time.

Be patient and non-judgmental

Mindful habits can take time to develop, and it’s normal to have setbacks and challenges along the way. It’s important to be patient with yourself and not to judge yourself harshly if you don’t see immediate results.

Instead, focus on the present moment and the small, positive steps you are taking to cultivate mindfulness in your life.

Find what works for you

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mindful habits, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Experiment with different habits and practices, and be open to trying new things.

Don’t be afraid to adapt and adjust your habits over time to meet your changing needs and goals.

A few mindfulness habits:

  • Practice gratitude by expressing thanks for the small and big things in your life.
  • Take a few deep breaths to help calm and center your mind.
  • Go for a walk or spend some time in nature to connect with the world around you.
  • Meditate, pray, or do some other form of mindfulness practice to help calm your mind.
  • Practice kindness and compassion towards yourself and others.Spend time with loved ones and engage in activities that bring joy and connection.
  • Get enough sleep to help you feel rested and rejuvenated.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet to nourish your body and mind
  • Exercise or engage in physical activity to boost your mood and energy.
  • Engage in hobbies or activities that bring you a sense of fulfillment and joy.
  • Take breaks and give yourself permission to relax and unwind.
  • Practice forgiveness towards yourself and others to let go of resentment and anger.
  • Engage in acts of service or volunteer work to help others and find purpose.
  • Practice self-care by taking time to nourish and care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
  • Be present in the moment, rather than worrying about the past or future.”

You can read the rest of the article here, with more habits and tips.

CMLE can be part of your support network; we are here for you, and support you in your library work. Take a nice deep breath in, and whoosh it out; it’s going to be okay today.