November and December can get stressful with holidays, staff vacations, winter weather, annual wrap-ups, and the end of the year ahead. While many of us have a tendency to simply push through, taking time to introspect on ways you can relieve stress and be a happier, more positive coworker and public service provider is an important part of serving your staff and community. Listen to Parks and Rec staff Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle, and treat yo self.
We’ve all heard tips related to self-care: don’t check work email at home, take your lunch breaks, get up and move around every hour. These are all important (and you should follow them!) but there are lots of other, more in-depth resources to help you manage stress and be your best self. Take a look at a couple here:
Self-Care Starter Kit from the School of Social Work at the University of Buffalo
Ultimate Self-Care Assessment and resources from Psychology Today
Self-Care Resources from the American Psychological Association Practice Organization
Ultimately, self care isn’t about bubble baths and treating yourself (though that can certainly be part of it). It’s about cultivating attitudes, interpersonal relationships, and habits that allow you to bring your best self forward, whether that’s at work or otherwise. In the coming months, remember the importance looking inward – in the long run, it’ll help you better look outward.
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Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser is a Youth Services Manager for the Saint Paul Public Library and Chair of the Managing Children’s Services Committee.
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Jin Han
Thank you so much for writing this post!
I am a new librarian. I felt burnt out lately. And I doubt myself if I am right fitting in this profession while I see all these wonderful and energetic librarians.
I really read all the articles and plus additional articles that linked with another. This was a good chance I pat my shoulder and thought I am doing okay.
Thank you.