As we learn to accept that right now, we cannot open our doors each and every day and interact with you in person, it has never been more evident that there is no substitute for the relationships we’ve built. It is clear to see that these relationships and the sense of connection they provide offer us resiliency in tumultuous times.  

Despite the closure of our physical library branches, we want to continue to support your wellbeing as best we can.  

The resources listed below are a compilation of the tools, strategies, and methods that the members of the CCCLD team utilize for supporting our own mental health. We hope they are of use to you. We eagerly look forward to the time that we can offer each other support in person again. Until then, please be well.  

Please note: We are not trained medical professionals, and these resources should not replace medical advice.

Managing Stress & Finding Calm

• In addition to doing your best to maintain as much normalcy in your day-to-day life, don’t forget to eat a healthy diet, exercise and do things that bring you joy!
• Let A to Z Worldfoods inspire you with new recipes!  
• Consumer Health can offer a multitude of resources and insights to support healthy living. 
• Moderate your consumption of COVID-19 related news. While it is important to stay informed, overexposure can result in heightened stress. Moderation is key. 
• Move your body, relax your mind and stream free yoga classes! Follow the links below to flow with Clear Creek County local yogis! 
  • Cherie Ebert, offers free yoga classes on her Facebook page. You can learn more about Cherie’s yoga training and expertise on her website, found here. 
  • Another local yogi, offering free yoga classes via her Facebook page is Lisa Pettitt. Lisa also recommends tuning in to the free teachings of the Compassionate Dharma Cloud Monastery, offered on Tuesday nights, in addition to their “Home Days of Mindfulness” on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Learn more and/or sign up for their mailing list. 
• Another local resource you can access from the comfort of your home is Stefanie Bottomly and her blog, Lightly Present – Musings on Gratitude, where she shares “photos, writings, thoughts, and helpful tools and suggestions in the pursuit of the light.” Stefanie recommends exploring the Calm app for resources to support relaxation and meditation (even the free version!). 
• Set a gratefulness alarm clock! When the alarm rings, take a moment to reflect on three things that you’re grateful for, each day. Despite the obvious challenges, there are countless things we can all be grateful for. (Check out the app store on your smartphone for free apps that offer this tool and others for promoting mindfulness — Book-a-Librarian for assistance with this!)
• Explore the benefits of meditation. Even five minutes can help to clear your head, reset, and help to calm your mind!  
• READ! Despite the closure of our physical branches, you can access hundreds of titles through Overdrive and/or the Libby app. Books offer adventure, companionship, escape and so much more. Can’t find a title you’re intrigued by? Email us at hello@cccld.org and we’ll do our best to add it to our collection or refer you to another similar title we think you’ll enjoy.  

Stay connected! 

• Kind Connection Program — screened (via background check) and trained professional volunteers available to connect with via phone call to help provide support. 
• Go old school and pick up the phone to reach out to loved ones! Checking in can provide a valuable sense of connection during these uncertain times.
• Facetime or Zoom! It’s amazing how much of a difference seeing someone’s face is when talking to them. 

Get Outside and Enjoy Nature! 

• Get outside to balance the time spent on your computer and devices. Here’s a great article that discusses the top 5 health benefits of interacting with nature. (Please continue to practice safe social distancing.)
• Take walks, make snow angels, bike, sit outside and read, identify birds and/or plants, experiment with photography, and enjoy!!!  
• And lastly, If you need someone to talk to, please remember, we are only a phone call or email away. We aren’t only your librarians, we are also your friends.