In recent years, more and more people have started practicing and preaching the idea of self-care for the individual, or ways in which someone might show love or care to themselves through an activity. Self-care can take many forms, as it can be as personalized to the individual as need be. For some, self-care might look like a spa day or a yoga practice, taking care of and re-setting the physical body. For others, it may be taking part in a favorite hobby or activity, anything from jigsaw puzzles to LEGOs, to arts and crafts or creative writing. These activities focus on caring for the mind, resetting after a stressful day, or calming latent anxieties. My favorite self-care activities include reading, playing board games, and at-home face masks!

Self-care is something that everyone should practice, but depending on your personal preferences the amount and type of care can be drastically different. While some people know exactly what kinds of activities will reset their batteries, others find it helpful to seek out self-care-related resources. Luckily, we live in an age where information is constantly at our fingertips and there are plenty of options to choose from. Self-help books are a phenomenon, with new ones published every year with tips and tricks for living your best life while taking care of yourself.  Blogs and online articles are popular sources of self-care tips. With the advent of platforms like Youtube and other social media platforms, these blogs have also moved into the realm of video, with plenty of people extolling their ideas and routines for self-care. 

There are also businesses dedicated to the art of providing self-care to their patrons, such as massage and spa resorts, nail salons, and hairdressers. All of them provide a service that hopefully leaves their customers feeling taken care of and feeling good about themselves. Here at the Salina Public Library, we offer a variety of programs that can be incorporated into your self-care routine. If you are interested in finding a new activity to try, come check out what we have going on this fall! Our self-care programs are easy, stress-free, and low-cost, so you can take care of yourself, without breaking the bank. Does one of these programs catch your eye? Click on the links below to go to our Event Calendar and register! 

Yoga Moves 

Build a strong foundation in body awareness by allowing yourself to explore your own personal experience of yoga through inner focus. Creative Hatha mixed with multiple movement options make this course great for beginners to intermediate levels. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat to this class. Instructed by certified yoga instructor Melanie Back.

Or if you’d just like to start a home practice, check out the book Yoga: Your Home Practice Companion by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

Chair Yoga 

Are you looking for lower-impact yoga? In this weekly course, Melanie Back will teach you how you can breathe properly, stretch, strengthen, and twist, all while seated. Not just for seniors, these yoga moves can also be used to relax and rejuvenate during a busy workday. Instructed by certified yoga instructor Melanie Back.

We also have a home practice book for chair yoga! Check out Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You by Kristin McGee

Adult Coloring 

If you are looking for a low-effort self-care activity, come on down to the library and enjoy an hour of Adult Coloring! Adult Coloring sheets and coloring media will be provided.

Adult Lego Club 

LEGOS aren’t just for kids you know! LEGO pieces will be available as well as design books that feature many different designs you can try to tackle! Whether it’s a skyscraper or a castle, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re having fun!

If Legos are your thing, check out the book Build Yourself Happy by Abbie Headon

Stitch & Craft Collective 

This group will provide a space to work on any knitting, crocheting, or other fiber/needle art crafts while enjoying the company of other crafters. Bring your current project and join other crafters to ask for opinions, advice, and just socialize! 

Take and Make Crafts

A free bi-weekly craft kit that comes with all of the supplies you will need to make an amazing craft! Craft kits are accompanied by video tutorials. Relax and test your DIY skills with these fun and unique crafts.  

Triple Feature Movie Kits 

A once-monthly take-home kit that includes 3 movies, popcorn, and candy. Movies are selected according to a theme and are divided into Family Kits (G & PG films) and Couples Kits (Pg-13 & R films). Relax and unwind with a triple-feature movie night!

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