The magically rejuvenating days of spring feel only a breeze away, and as February trudges toward its end and March drowsily shakes itself awake, who isn’t excitedly counting the moments until one can lounge in the sunshine? If you’re anything like some of our staff at Crawfordsville District Public Library, you may feel like you lose connection to your self and its wonderful energy during the long twilight of winter … I know I’ve certainly been less of a trusted steward of my body, and more like a fuzzy, mindless moss growing shallowly in the shadows, only able to handle thoughts of soft places and blankets, waiting for the wind to collect and spread my mossy spores across the land.
Well, I’ll be a moss no more this year. I’m feeling more like a young planting sprouting baby-leaves and beginning to grow tall once more, and I have a hunch that others are also beginning to revel in the feeling of the world coming back to life. Finding yourself nodding along? If so, you’ll definitely want to drop by the library soon to pick up books that’ll kick-start your springtime inspiration.
Two months out from the new year, how are you doing on your healthy resolutions? If your initial excitement to start a healthy form of movement has somewhat waned since January, you might be interested in picking up one of our books on physical fitness. For those looking for low-impact activities, consider “A Walking Life” by Antonia Malchik (New 613.7176 Mal) or “Prevention’s Complete Book of Walking” (613.7176 Spi), or pair movement with mindfulness and check out “Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life” (New 613.7046 Las) along with one of our many DVDs on the subject. Looking for a more demanding routine? Our new titles “High Intensity Interval Training for Women” (New 613.7 Bar) and “Physical Disobedience: An Unruly Guide to Health and Stamina for the Modern Feminist” (New 613.0244 Coo) cater to women looking to up their workout game. Male readers, fret not: we also have titles specific to men’s fitness, like “Bigger, Leaner Stronger” by Michael Matthews (613.713 Mat).
If you feel comfortable with where your activity level is at, there are other ways to inject fresh springtime energy into your routine — starting with your relationship with nature. We have a smörgåsbord of appealing titles on the topic, from “The Eight Master Lessons of Nature” (New 508 Fer), to “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life” (New 155.91 Lou), to “The Nature Cure” (New 615.535 Mic). Cultivate a new habit with “Your Guide to Forest Bathing” (New 615.8 Cli) and “The Joy of Forest Bathing” (New 615.8515 Cho), or learn more about our relationship with and need for light in “Luminous Life: How the Science of Light Unlocks the Art of Living” (New 612.01444 Lib) and “Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds” (New 551.5 Ged).
While you’re at it, it’s a great time to inspect how you’re fueling your springtime growth and to consider if your diet is serving you or sapping your energy. That doesn’t mean you have to count calories! Rather, you’ll find lots of inspiration in titles like “Apple Cider Vinegar” (New 615.3 Tri), “Fire Cider! 101 Zesty Recipes for Health-Boosting Remedies Made with Apple Cider Vinegar” (641.6411 Gla) and “Turmeric for Your Health” (New 615.3 Tri) for small additions that could make big changes in how you feel. Similarly, you might find that changing WHEN you eat can make all the difference in your moods and health: learn more in “The Complete Guide to Fasting” (New 613.2 Fun) and “Eat to Sleep: What to Eat and When to Eat It for a Good Night’s Sleep” (New 613.794 Mey).
Perhaps your goals are more focused on improving motivation and mental energy? Your morning habits are a great place to start anew: try “My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired” (New 646.7 Spa) or “Good Mornings: Morning Rituals for Wellness, Peace, and Purpose” (New 158.1 Dun). How do you kick off your weeks? Consider bringing more intention into the equation and flip through “Every Monday Matters: How to Kick Your Week Off with Passion, Purpose, and Positivity” (New 303.4 Eme). Finally, the fittingly named “How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t: 14 Habits That Are Holding You Back from Happiness” (New 158.1 Owe) might do the trick for a total overhaul of your routines and habits.
No matter how you’re hoping to celebrate and enjoy the coming warm weather, we certainly have books, DVDs, and fun programs that will complement your springtime. We’re here to serve, so drop by and let us know if there are any topics you’d like to see represented in the collection or in our programming — we look forward to it.
Shelbi Hoover is a reference and local history assistant at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
