Pause, Breathe, & Take Time For Yourself

If You’re Reading This, You Might Just Be in Need of Some Self-Care

If you find yourself here at the Compassionate Librarian blog you might be in need of some self-care. The first thing you can do is pause for a moment and take a deep breath. Maybe you’ve been running on empty, giving your all at work, or just feeling stretched too thin. It happens to the best of us. The good news is you can take some time for yourself to practice self-care.

Some days, it’s easy to juggle everything with a smile. But other days? Not so much. Today, for example, I’m not feeling well, and managing my own energy is hard enough—let alone handling complaints, endless questions, and unexpected issues at the library. On days like this, it’s easy to put yourself last because everything feels urgent. But that’s exactly when self-care becomes most important.

What does self-care look like on tough days?
It doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes it’s about doing what you can—even if it’s small:

• Take a break. Step away for five minutes, even if it’s just to breathe or drink water.
• Lower the bar. Give yourself permission to do the essentials and let go of perfection.
• Create a small comfort ritual. Have a cup of tea, put on music that calms you, or take a short walk around the building.
• Ask for help. Lean on your team when you need it. We’re better when we support each other.
• Remind yourself: This moment will pass. Hard days come and go. Be kind to yourself in the middle of it all.

The reality is, working with the public service can be really demanding. We show up for others, often when we’re not at our best. But self-care is what makes it sustainable. It’s not selfish—it’s survival.

So, if you’re reading this, take a moment for yourself today if you can, if not please try for tomorrow. You’ve earned it. And if all you do is breathe deeply and remind yourself you’re doing your best, that’s enough.

Sending super big hugs!

the Compassionate Librarian

Self-Care Routines for Better Life Balance

Let's talk about how to incorporate self-care into your day. If you work in a library, you know that it can sometimes be stressful. Starting a self-care routine can create a sense of balance and help you transition smoothly between work and personal life. Your routine doesn't have to be elaborate, just a few mindful minutes can help to make a big difference. Remember, by carving out intentional time for self-care, you're supporting your own well-being.

Morning Routines

Starting your day with intention can help you feel grounded and prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. Here are some simple routines to incorporate into your morning:

1. A Morning Mantra

   • Begin your day with a phrase that inspires calm and focus, such as:
     "I am prepared for this day. I will approach challenges with compassion and patience."
   • Repeat it to yourself while sipping your morning coffee or tea to center your thoughts.

2. Stretch or Move Your Body

   • Take five minutes to stretch or do light exercises to release tension and energize your body. Even a short walk outside can help clear your mind.

3. Set Your Intention

   • Before heading to work, think about one positive goal for the day. It could be as simple as helping one patron with a smile or taking a mindful moment during a busy shift.

4. Gratitude Practice

   • Reflect on one thing you’re grateful for before starting your day. Gratitude can shift your mindset and set a positive tone.

Afternoon or Evening Routines 

Ending your day with a few moments of self-care can help you leave work behind and transition into relaxation mode:

1. A Quick Reflection

   • Spend a couple of minutes reflecting on your day. Ask yourself:
     • What went well today?
     • What am I proud of?
     • What can I let go of?
   • This allows you to celebrate small wins and release stress.

2. Unplug and Reset

   • Avoid checking work emails or messages once your shift ends. Create a boundary between work and personal time to recharge fully.

3. Evening Routine of Gratitude

   • Write down one or two things you’re grateful for from your day, such as a kind word from a coworker or a successful program.

4. Relaxation Practice

   • Engage in an activity that helps you unwind: reading, meditating, journaling, or enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea.

Your Personal Self-Care Routine

Everyone’s needs are different, so these routines can be adapted to fit your lifestyle and preferences. The key is to create moments that allow you to connect with yourself and transition mindfully between work and personal life. These small acts of self-care are investments in your well-being, helping you stay balanced and resilient in the face of the unique challenges of library work.

Do you have any self-care routines you have incorporated in to your daily life? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

With care,
The Compassionate Librarian

Celebrating the Heart of Library Work

I always say you never know what a day at the library will bring. Some days, it feels like we’re navigating a storm—rushing to put out fires, managing long lines at the desk, and juggling the many unexpected challenges that come our way. With all of that, there are many wonderful moments that remind us why we’re here, the moments that make all the hard work feel worthwhile.

I’ll never forget one particularly busy day. There were patrons lined up out the door. The phone wouldn’t stop ringing, the printer was broken, and a frustrated patron let me know in no uncertain terms just how upset they were about the situation. By the end of my shift, I felt drained and overwhelmed, questioning myself on why I do this work.

Just as I was wrapping up my day, something remarkable happened. A teen patron I had helped earlier that week returned to the library. She was clutching the book I had helped her pick out. When she saw me she had the biggest smile. She told me how much she loved the book and that it had inspired her to start writing a story of her own. That small interaction completely made my day!

Finding Joy in Small Moments

Helping people is really the heart of library work: the connections we make and the lives we touch. All in the middle of a chaotic day. This really breaks through the noise and reminds me why I do what I do.

I’ve also found immense joy in mentoring new librarians. Recently, I worked with a new staff member who was eager but nervous about their first few weeks on the job. I offered guidance on how to manage tough patron interactions, shared tips for staying organized, and how to navigate the reference desk, I also told them to contact me if they needed anything. Seeing their confidence grow over time was incredibly rewarding. It was a strong reminder of how our work goes beyond books and services.

Balancing the Highs and Lows

Library work can be challenging, but those moments of connection, inspiration, and growth are what keep us going. Whether it’s helping a patron find the information they need, inspiring someone to try something new, or finding resources for an unhoused patron, these small victories remind us of the profound impact libraries have on people’s lives.

A Celebration of Purpose

The heart of library work isn’t in the policies, the systems, or the endless tasks we manage. It’s in the stories—the ones we help others create and the ones we create for ourselves through the connections we make.

So, on those tough days, when it feels like everything is going wrong, I try to hold on to those moments of joy. They’re small, but they’re mighty, and they make all the difference.

What are the moments that remind you of why you love library work? I’d love to hear your stories.

With joy and gratitude,
The Compassionate Librarian

Compassion Fatigue in Library Work: Recognizing It and Reclaiming Your Energy

Compassion Fatigue: Running on Empty

I'd like to share a little about compassion fatigue because I have a lot of experience working in a public library with many different community member and that includes unhoused patrons. It can sometimes be very difficult to balance out your work and your internal feelings on helping others. I always say that library work has many rewards, but it can also take a lot out of you and for a variety of different reasons. We are continually pouring our hearts into serving our communities and unfortunately when we over do it, compassion fatigue can sneak up when we least expect it. It can sometimes be hard to detect though, and you might think it's just burnout, but compassion fatigue is a bit heavier in your soul—a lingering weariness so to speak that stems from consistently giving so much of ourselves to others, but as I mentioned in another post, you can pour from an empty cup, so you really need to be aware of how you are feeling and the signs to look for. 

What is Compassion Fatigue?

So, let's dive into this and start to unpack what compassion fatigue is all about. Compassion fatigue is the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that comes from caring for others, especially in emotionally challenging environments. It’s very common among library staff who support vulnerable populations, manage high-stress interactions, or carry the weight of their community’s needs.

Signs of Compassion Fatigue:

• Feeling emotionally drained or detached.
• A sense of dread when going to work.
• Physical symptoms like fatigue or headaches.
• Difficulty finding joy in the work you once loved.

How I Began to Heal

I’ve experienced compassion fatigue firsthand, and it’s not easy to admit when you’re struggling. There was a time when I felt utterly depleted after dealing with stressful situations, compounded by the demands of daily library work. What helped me was taking small, intentional steps to prioritize my well-being:

1. Acknowledging the Struggle:
   The first step was recognizing that what I was feeling wasn’t weakness—it's hard to do this, but I had to understand that it was a natural response to prolonged emotional stress.

2. Setting Boundaries:
   I learned to say no to tasks that exceeded my capacity and to create space for myself, even if just for a few minutes during the workday.

3. Seeking Support:
   Talking to colleagues who understood the challenges of library work was incredibly validating. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference.

4. Rediscovering Joy:
   I made it a point to focus on the small moments that brought me happiness, like a kind word from a patron or the satisfaction of organizing a new display.

Reclaiming Your Energy

If you feel like you are going through compassion fatigue, here are some steps to help you heal:

• Pause and Reflect:
  Take time to acknowledge how you’re feeling without judgment. Journaling can help you process emotions and identify what’s causing stress.

• Practice Restorative Activities:
  Whether it’s yoga, reading, or taking a walk in nature, find activities that help you recharge. Even small moments of rest can make a big difference.

• Focus on What You Can Control:
  Shift your energy toward things you can positively influence and let go of what’s beyond your control.

• Celebrate Small Wins:
  Remember the positive impact of your work. Reflect on the lives you’ve touched and the difference you make every day.

Remember, taking care of yourself is an act of strength. Compassion fatigue doesn’t diminish the incredible work you do—it’s a reminder to show yourself the same care you give to others. And please always seek mental health help or reach out to professionals if needed. 

What are your experiences with compassion fatigue and how did you manage or get through it? I'd love to hear from you. Please hare your thoughts in the comments.

Take care,

the Compassionate Librarian

What is Self-Care and Why We Need It

When you think of the term self-care, what comes to mind? For many, it might evoke images of bubble baths, yoga sessions, or a spa day—and while those are great examples, self-care goes far beyond especially if you are experiencing stressors in your work or in your personal lives.

At its core, self-care is about intentionally taking steps to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. With my holistic health background, I'd call that mind, body, & spirit. It goes a little bit further than that for those of us who are in the field of library work. I'll say this from my direct experiencing working with the public, managing incidents and disruptions daily, and experiencing compassion fatigue, self-care is a necessity.

Library staff often carry the weight of compassion fatigue, the demands of helping diverse communities, and the mental strain of navigating tough days. Without self-care, it’s easy to burn out and feel overwhelmed.

If we look at the many ways that we can utilize self-care, we can see that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It can access a variety of different options to help ourselves such as:

• Setting boundaries with our time and energy

• Taking a mindful moment to breathe in the midst of a chaotic day

• Prioritizing rest and relaxation

• Practicing saying no every once in a while

• Trying not to over commit ourselves

• Finding joy in small and meaningful moments

Why do we need self-care? Because we literally can’t pour from an empty cup. When we take care of ourselves, we are preserving our own energy and well-being—and this helps us to be better equipped to serve our community, support our team, and show up fully for the work that we really do love.

Try this out for the next few weeks. When it comes to self-care if you are thinking “I don’t have time for this” try and change that thought to “I deserve this.” Because you need to take care of yourself and remember to refill your cup.

What are your thoughts on working in libraries and taking time for self-care? Share your thoughts in the comments I’d love to hear your perspective!

All the best,

the Compassionate Librarian