Whether you’re a school media specialist steeling yourself to fulfill continuing education coursework, or a public librarian hyping up for wall-to-wall reading programs, relaxation is likely NOT the first word that comes to mind when we youth services folks think about summer. It’s easy to feel overworked, overstimulated, and under-appreciated at any time in the library, but the heat tends to turn everything up to eleven.
You can’t expect to be at your best for your patrons, students, colleagues, friends, family, and, most importantly, yourself if you don’t indulge in little breaks to depressurize throughout the day. Here are five one minute(ish) stress relievers that make an immediate difference without making you look too goofy in a shared office. Even better, they work for people of pretty much every age, shape, and capability!
Starfish Breathing
Choose a hand to be your “starfish.” Then use the pointer finger of the other hand to trace your starfish as you breathe! Breathe in as you move your pointer finger up the starfish thumb, then exhale as you run your pointer back down the other side. Repeat for each finger/starfish leg, matching your breath to your finger’s movement. This is how I started each class and storytime for years, and I could always see the marked difference in the kids’ bodies that I felt in my own. A surprisingly deep sense of calmness and focus that left us ready for whatever came next.
5-4-3-2-1
Need a way to detach your mind from something quickly? Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Look around and find five things you can see. Now, find four things you can touch. Got them? Great! Then find three things you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This one is great for pulling you out of your own head when you need to focus on something else.
Mini Hand Massage
Is there anything better than a two for one deal? Score some instant spa relaxation with a calming DIY hand massage. Apply a little of your favorite hand lotion and get to kneading. When your time is tight, focus on the muscle under your thumb to release tension in your hand, shoulders, and neck all at once!
Be a Superhero!
You already are one, so why not pose like the library’s Superhero? Stand up and plant your feet firmly on the surface of this strange alien planet. Put your hands on your hips and take a HUGE breath to fill your chest with that superpower fueling oxygen, then HOLD THAT POSE. Star on the cover of your own graphic novel for 60 seconds, then go forth reenergized and ready to conquer evil (and late fines) once again.
Cold Water Treatment
My absolute dread of damp sleeves has so far kept me from testing this one, but my colleague Eddie swears by it. Pop into the bathroom to drop some cold water on your wrists and behind your earlobes when stress has its grip on you. Major arteries run just underneath your skin here, so giving these spots a sudden frigid shower can refresh the whole body and recharge your focus.
Laugh
Make this the summer that you sail through cool, calm, and collected! That belly laugh is your bonus tip number six. Let your funny bone fly free whenever possible with a long, loud laugh!
Resources
Sources:
Colorado Law- University of Colorado Boulder
Related ALSC Blog Posts:
From Mess and Stress to Success
This post relates to the ALSC Core Competencies of V. Advocacy and Outreach and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development.
Melissa Horak-Hern has served in Kansas City area libraries for more than fifteen years and is a 2024-2026 member of the ALSC Membership Committee.