First, a giant shout-out to everyone for all the hard work done thus far in our Fall 2020 semester. We are truly proud of you! We invite you to take some time to rest, relax, and focus on a little self-care before you battle on to end this term on a strong note. Our lovely library staffers offer up their de-stressing tips in Part I of a two-part special!
Elisabet, Information Services Specialist
My de-stressing tip is simply making lists! They take the worry out of my brain and I can focus on one at a time.
LISTS:
- Write a list of everything you HAVE to do
- Write a list of everything you SHOULD do
- Write a list of what you would LIKE to do
Take care of the “must dos” then be sure to cross off at least one of the things on your like to do list. You will feel lighter for having taken care of at least some of the necessities and feel better for doing something that makes you feel happier!
Fingertip reflexology for the brain and pituitary – aka, playing guitar.
In non-pandemic times, a sing-along was a common occurrence in the Rutherford Library south office. It’s also super handy to have a bunch of talented folks in-house like David, Carmen, Lucinda, Doris, Elisabet and more whose lovely voices fill the seating area with lovely holiday melodies. I can honestly say, these are the things about office life I miss the most…
Katherine,
“How do I best manage stress? I head out to the cross country ski trails! This photo was taken at Strathcona Wilderness Centre.”
Katherine’s passion for the trails is contagious! During our time together at Augustana Campus Library, it was Katherine’s eagerness that kept us warm during the chilly celebratory ski to open the Dr. Garry and Dorothy Gibson Nordic Ski Library. She speedily led the pack with the student-athletes close on her heels…and while I was puffing to keep up, I could still see the joy on Katherine’s face from the back of the pack!
Eric, Information Services Specialist
My suggestion is two-fold: Sound therapy, and Anticipation versus Expectation!
For sound therapy, I suggest an ambient, soft, and wordless piece like Songs for Lonely Rainy Nights. Throw a blanket over your head, crawl into a small space, do whatever it takes to just step away for a little while, and watch/meditate/rest your eyes for 15 minutes to an hour every day.
Anticipation versus Expectation is a little more complicated – set yourself hard limits on how much personal screen time, or reading, or whatever you are doing for low energy entertainment, and stick to it. This forces you to adjust and take a more active approach to your days, and also causes you to schedule when you will have these low energy entertainment times, and anticipate them rather than expect them all the time, and feel stressed when they don’t happen.
Mireille, Information Services Specialist
My favourite way to de-stress is to rewatch a favourite movie (so comforting; never fails to lift my mood). Best in Show always does the trick for me!
Pro Tip from Mireille: binge watch the great offerings from the U of A Library’s Criterion on Demand database, where she linked her movie above. If you’re eager for more details on the Criterion database, check out our blog!
Trish, Head, Collection Strategies
Definitely cat cuddles for me. Often cat cuddles while reading a book (under a cozy blanket with a hot cup of tea nearby). I also find baking to be good for de-stressing. Kneading dough and/or using rolling pins can be very therapeutic!
As the photo shows, my gingerbread cookies are complete! I just use the Betty Crocker recipe, though I roll them out a little thicker because I prefer a softer gingerbread (Admittedly, I was also following the book version of the recipe which says to roll to 1/4 inch!).
We wish you the best as you near the end of this unique Fall 2020 semester. Our Library staff are here to support you as you find those final bits of information for your term papers or need advice on where to find a citation guide. Just Ask Us!
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