Some of us intend to implement new, healthier habits while staying home, but there still aren’t enough hours in the day. Others have personally been affected by the pandemic, or the past month has led to feelings of loneliness, anxiety or depression.
Whatever your situation, self-care will not make everything perfect, but healthy living tends to lead to positive outcomes for the entire household in the long run. The library’s resources can inspire you and give you tools to start these simple practices that we’ve been delaying for so long.
Set a Routine
The new shut-ins who are not required by their bosses or teachers to report to work or class at a set time should stick to a schedule most of all for themselves (though the extra productivity that pleases bosses and teachers won’t hurt). A routine helps to ensure that work gets done, wasted time in front of the tube is limited, and a healthy sleep habit is established. Those educating little ones at home could benefit from our e-books on home schooling.
Books
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything by BJ Fogg
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Videos
What to Do When There’s Too Much to Do (getAbstract Summary)
Exercise and Choose Healthy Foods
With your schedule under control, now you have a little more to time to care for your one and only body. Work out on your living room floor with a fitness video on Hoopla or Kanopy. An e-book can help you get started running outside. Use a healthy recipe from Cuisine Corner or a cooking magazine on RBdigital to take a step toward more nutritious cuisine.
Books
Clean Eating For Busy Families: Simple and Satisfying Real-Food Recipes You and Your Kids Will Love by Michelle Dudash
The Domestic Geek’s Meals Made Easy: A Fresh, Fuss-Free Approach to Healthy Cooking by Sara Lynn Cauchon
Good Housekeeping Mediterranean Diet: 70 Easy, Healthy Recipes
Videos
Changing Body Composition Through Diet and Exercise
The Everyday Gourmet: Making Healthy Food Taste Great
Don’t Worry. Be Happy!
This is easier said (or sung) than done, of course. Check out our new LibGuide to dive deeper into mental health issues and for guidance in connecting with a professional. Maintaining a positive outlook does not happen by accident. Frightening news surrounds us, but we can choose to counterbalance it with positive activities. Watch a comedy on Hoopla or Kanopy. Draw more animals to your backyard or write letters on paper the old fashioned way. Read the chosen book and join one of our book clubs virtually.
Books
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by Gretchen Rubin
The Little Book of Lykke: Secrets of the World’s Happiest People by Meik Wiking
The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care by Anna Borges
Your Brain Needs a Hug: Life, Love, Mental Health, and Sandwiches by Rae Earl
Videos
Behavioral Science Insights on How to Have a Great Day, Every Day
