I had a perfectly nice blog post planned for today’s Wednesday @ West. But when I got to work this morning, a brief conversation with my co-workers relieved that we are all feeling a rather high level of anxiety over the upcoming election. My gut told me that we are not alone. A quick Google search confirmed my suspicion.
The American Psychological Association recently asked about election related stress in their annual Stress in America Survey. They found that a majority (52%) of Americans are finding this year’s election to be a “somewhat” or “significant” source of stress. And the stress is not limited to voters from one party. The APA is so concerned about these results that they have published recommendations for Americans to cope with election stress.
It occurred to me, dear patrons, that the library has much to offer our stressed out compatriots during and after this contentious election. So I put aside my original post idea to offer you an additional ten suggestions to help you cope with political (or any other kind) of stress.
Read books. I’m not just being biased here. Science backs me up. Studies have shown that reading is the best and fastest way to lower stress levels. It works faster and reduces stress more than any of the other ways that were studied. And you don’t need oodles of time for it either. Just six minutes of reading can reduce your stress by 68%. Personally, I find books that I have fond memories of from my childhood are best at reducing my stress levels. For me, those books include Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. When I took an unscientific poll on my personal Facebook page, I got a long list of books that my friends and acquaintances loved as children. In fact, I got so many responses that will have to be a whole other post in the future. But here are just a few: Winnie the Pooh, James and the Giant Peach, Bread and Jam for Frances, Heidi, Little House on the Prairie series, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, everything by Dr. Seuss and Charlotte’s Web.- Talk about books. If you’re anything like me, the lack of civil discourse in this election is one of the most upsetting parts. If you need a reminder that we, as Americans, can still have polite discussions about something, stop by one of the library’s book groups. No matter how fervently we disagree about the literary merits of a title, we promise we’ll keep it polite!
Drink tea. Unsurprisingly perhaps, it is a British study that confirms what tea lovers have long believed: drinking a cup of tea can reduce your stress. For a real Stress Relieving Triple Play, come to the West Branch’s next Literatea, where you can find books to read, talk about books and drink tea. As a happy coincidence, the next Literatea is actually taking place on Election Day, so once you’ve done your civic duty, put it out of your mind and treat yourself to some relaxation.
Do yoga. Even the Wall Street Journal has suggested that Americans will need some stress relief after tonight’s final presidential debate. They are imploring readers to forgo debate drinking games and instead turn to yoga. You can register for the West Branch’s next yoga series, but if that’s not happening soon enough and you need some emergency yoga, check out Yoga Sparks: 108 easy practices for stress relief in a minute or less by Carol Krucoff- In a similar vein, tai chi is a great stress reducer. The Main Library frequently runs six week long tai chi classes. If you can’t make it one of those, however, Sunset Tai chi: simplified tai chi for relaxation and longevity by Ramel Rones can help you get some of the same benefits.
Help others. Volunteering can reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. At the library we love helping you help others. This Saturday, pop by the Creativity Lab and put your sewing skills to good use with Sewing to Empower Women. If the sight of a sewing machine would add to, instead of decrease your stress levels, consider volunteering as a Conversation Circle leader.- Learn something new. The British National Health Service has reported that lifelong learners have an increased ability to cope with stress. And lifelong learning is our passion at the library. Our raison d’etre, so to speak. Check out our Event Calendar for all your options, but if you’d like my suggestion, I’d check out 20th Century American Poetry, which happens to start tonight.
Immerse yourself in music. Ah yes, music, both listening to it and making it can certainly sooth the soul. Whichever way you prefer to de-stress, we’ve got you covered. If you prefer to be carried away from your cares by listening to some great music, check out the library’s Fall Concert Series. There’s a performance with Sweet Wednesday this coming Monday at the Main Library. If making music is more your speed, check out the Sound Recording Studio in the Creativity Lab downtown.- Make art. A study at Drexel College found that even if you’re terrible at it, making art reduces stress levels. This is another area where we’ve got you covered. If I were you, I’d check out the almost limitless possibilities for making art in the Creativity Lab. And if you’d like some books to further inspire your creativity, check out this recent list.
- Have fun with your kids. Indiana University Health reports that
having fun with family can reduce stress. We’ve got all sorts of help for this one. First, what is more fun than story time? Bring your kids and settle in for some great picture books, songs and crafts. Or if you (like me) love playing with Legos, you could attend a Family Lego Day. Or you could check out the Autumn Story Walk currently on the Bike Path at Lt. Ross Park in West Peabody. The Story Walk is yet another Stress Relieving Triple Play since it combines family fun, reading and a nature walk.
As the APA’s recommendations remind us, no matter what happens on November 8th, life will go on. Until then, my fellow readers, we wish you as much peace of mind as possible and remind you that the library’s here for you no matter what happens!