It’s finally spring!! And that means it’s time to do some personal spring cleaning and shake off that winter funk. One of the most important things for any time of year is doing a personal check-in! Sometimes, your personal well-being gets left behind in the hustle and bustle, and the start of a new season is the perfect time to check in with yourself and practice a little self-care to reignite that spark! We’ve put together a list of five awesome self-care ideas for you to try this spring, and some of our books and other resources here at the library that go along with them!

1) It might be time to try a new hobby! It can be anything, from taking on a Minecraft coding project, playing around with a new art medium, or turning your bedroom into a houseplant oasis!

 There are so many cool things out there to try! Even if it isn’t perfect, or you decide it might not be your cup of tea, it can still feel super rewarding to just get your hands dirty and try something new every once in a while. Take a browse, and who knows, you might just find something you love!

2) Take time to read something you actually like. If you can’t remember the last time you picked up something that wasn’t just for school, It might be time to grab something you love! Maybe you just picked up your Library Crate from our PD Brown Branch, a classic favorite you’ve read 100 times, a new graphic novel, or that series you’ve been dying to dig into but just haven’t found the time… now’s your chance! 

3) Get crafty in the kitchen! Pick up a cookbook and try a new recipe! Whether just learning the basics or trying something new, it can be fun to branch out and test your skills in the kitchen.  Plus, you’ll get something yummy out of it, too! If you’re just starting out, something like The Super Easy Teen Cookbook or The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs might be up your alley. And, for something a little different, we have tons of cool fandom cookbooks to tickle your tastebuds, like The Witcher Cookbook, Cook Anime, or even the Official Five Nights at Freddy’s Cookbook!

4) I’m a sucker for a good bubble bath, and skincare is such an important part of your daily routine! You can go all out with an all-over spa night, but even just taking time to add small habits to your routine can make a big difference in the long run. The most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to be fancy!  We have tons of books on spa-day favorites like DIY bath bombs or titles like Hannah English’s Your Best Skin for a little more in-depth knowledge (in case you want to dig a little deeper into that advice you heard on TikTok).  

5) Get moving! It feels great to get your body in action, and as the days get warmer, there’s no better time to put together a playlist on Hoopla or Freegal and go for a walk! They have tons of popular music to choose from! Hoopla even has audiobooks for longer treks, and the best part is they’re free with your library card. Walks can help clear your head at the end of a long day and can really be a great way to unwind and get some fresh air and sunshine while you’re at it. 

Did any of these ideas spark your interest? We sure hope so! There are so many fun ideas out there for spending time with yourself and having a ton of fun while you’re at it. Hopefully, this spring is full of fun new hobbies, lots of sunshine, and time to make you feel like your best self!