So, your Jefferson County Library Staff recently participated in our annual staff day. During this go-round, our presenters were focused on stress management and self-care. And while the topics were geared toward team building and avoiding burnout, as I listened, I was reminded that we are largely in control of how our bodies respond and adapt to the stressful stimuli around us. Although we can’t control the amount or degree to which we are exposed to stress, we can take steps to minimize its effect on our mind and our health. What’s more, the most successful tools to combat stress are best practiced during our everyday lives outside of work.

There are numerous studies that illustrate how certain types of exercise, meditation, and even reading can be beneficial strategies in reducing the effects of stress, and the library is a free and useful source that can help you become better informed about understanding and managing stress and your body.

Here are some stress-busting tools available to you through Homewood public Library in September:

• Stop in for a yoga class with instructor Robyn Cramer or participate in a class virtually with instructor Jackie Tally.
• Learn a new stress-relieving skill and participate in September Reed’s miniature painting class.
• Try out Not Your Mama’s Bookclub, a discussion based group whose topic for September is Spirituality and Mental Health.
• Check out Neuroscience Café, a virtual presentation by UAB’s neuroscientists and clinicians. This month’s topic: Cannabis as Medicine.

Beat stress with books! And, win a $50 gift card while you’re at it!

• The Better Than Therapy bookclub’s September pick is The Guest List by Lucy Foley.

• And check out these titles by therapist Andrea Mathews, one of our presenters this year.