And Now a Word from Your YSS Board!

 A recent news email from the Youth Services Section (YSS) board included these delightful tips!  

A Huge List of Self-Care Tips from your YSS Board in no particular order...

1. Make a conscious choice to recognize the positive and good in other people, your job, and yourself. Focus on the good, and when you talk, share the good stories. 
2. Remember that we are humans too, and we should not let guilt stop us from taking time off during the summer.
3. Schedule walks after work with close friends.
4. Get out from the circulation desk and take a walk outside. During one particularly stressful summer running the SRP program, I began taking walks over my lunch break every day. I immediately felt a difference. Spending time looking at nature, and getting up and moving, helped my attitude. 
5. Take a day off here and there throughout the summer. Giving myself a day or 1/2 day to just do fun summer things has really helped my outlook and gave me back a positive perspective.
6. Take care of yourself, both mentally and physically.  Go for a walk. Listen to a favorite playlist. Set aside a few moments during the day to just breathe or do something just for you that makes you smile.  And, above all, BE KIND TO YOURSELF. It's hard to be happy when someone's being mean to you all the time.
7. Allow yourself to enjoy the little things and appreciate the positives in yourself, your program, your staff, and your patrons!  Every library is different--and comparison is the thief of joy!--so be sure to celebrate your unique library and the difference it makes in your community, whatever the size.
8. Once a day, or week, or hour, complete this statement: My SLP efforts made a difference to _______________. Simply acknowledging that you have made an impact is enough—no need to quantify.
9. Set your timer for one minute and give yourself permission to BREATHE. Hide in the non-fiction section, take a walk in the parking lot, or sit at your desk and closer your eyes. Let your head and heart have one minute of nothing.
10. Be kind to yourself... It sound intuitive but its amazing how often we forget to extend kindness to ourselves... especially when programs don't meet our expectations... We try and try again. 
11. Take 5 minutes each day to laugh... nothing is insurmountable or truly terrible when you allow yourself to laugh. 
12. Ask for help.  It's an obvious self care tip but I think it's the thing we forget first when SRP hits.  For some of us, there isn't any help but oftentimes, there are circulation assistants who would be happy to cut up strips of stickers or directors who could help cover the desk during a program.  If you're stuck on a program, ask a colleague for their opinions. Youth services librarians are superstars but we don't always have to go it alone. It's okay to ask for help, especially as we're weeks into summer and it's starting to feel a little endless.  
13. Rejoice in the little things.  SRP is a looming, huge event, but it's made up of tiny little moments.  My morning iced coffee is an endless source of happiness in summer, as are a comfy pair of shoes to help me get through my day.  Teen volunteers who excel in their role make me smile. Cupcakes in the break room and a really successful readers advisory session can keep me going through a long day.  When the big picture becomes too much, focus on the little stuff.