Under Development
We’re still building this page. More content coming. Ignore any typos!

Relax…..easier said than done?

Sometimes slowing down enough to take the time to relax when you are stressed or anxious is difficult. Changes like what we’ve experienced during COVID-19 can be stressful.

Take time to relax and calm your mind, body, and heart.

Self-Care isn’t’ selfish… it’s smart.

Westchester’s libraries offer active calendar of health and wellness programming – from education on stress management to yoga and qi gong.  (There are some singing bowls in the mix as well!)  Check out your local library’s online calendar.  Quick links to library web sites are here.

And don’t forget the opportunity to get lost in a good book or movie.  Stream, borrow…it is all still happening.  Need a recommendation – just ask!.

Local Connections!

COMING SOON:  CURATED RESOURCES

The Westchester Library System offers free classes in simple movement and breathing exercises that have been proven to reduce stress and increase calm.  Who doesn’t want a bit of that?  Check out our full calendar here.  Classes are available six days a week!  

Check out these stress reducing Library Programs!

Pound Ridge Library presents Mindful Meditation Mondays on ZOOM:

Learn to control your mind by controlling your breath. Discover breath in your spine and ease in your being. For optimal well-being, you will consider this a worthwhile experience. The instructor is Deirdre Breen, AHC, NBC-HWC. To join, please RSVP below and the link will be sent to you prior to the program.

Taking Better Care of Yourself Presented by Pound Ridge Library 

This six-week series continues evidence-based self-care practices.  Each 60-minute session addresses a special domain of wellness and present best practices.   All practice enhances the mind-body-breath connection which is considered the key to optimal well being.

Tuckahoe Public Library presents Online Taichi with Shifu Alex Lamas   Online on Tuesday February 9

Sifu Alex Lamas will lead his traditional Tai Chi class and you can follow in the comfort of your own home.Qigong and Tai Chi has been shown to very beneficial for balance, coordination, blood circulation and general health and well being, something that is vital in these times.

Purchase Free Library Presents Stress Reduction and Breathing Techniques

Wednesdays at  8pm & Saturdays at  2pm Join them for a meditative midday stress reduction and breathing Technique session that will rejuvenate you for the rest of the day. Please RSVP via email at pfl@wlsmail.org

Harrison Public Library & Purchase Free Library Present Tai Chi via Zoom

If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and increase balance, try practicing the graceful movements of Tai Chi.  Join them for this new, online series on Zoom. Master Alex Lamas will be leading us in an afternoon of Qigong, Tai Chi, and meditation. 

Hendrick Hudson Free Library Presents Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation via Zoom February 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Joseph T. Schippa, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, will provide an introduction to Mindfulness Meditation and teach participants how to incorporate mindfulness into their everyday lives to reduce stress and develop a sense of well-being. Registration by phone begins February 4. Contact cmorreale@wlsmail.org to register. Please provide a phone number when registering.

Warner Library in Tarrytown Presents Stress & Insomnia: Breaking the Cycle

March 9, 6:15-7:30pm. Dr. Somesh Kaushik discusses how Ayurvedic medicine can help reduce stress and insomnia with natural medicines and diet.

Warner Library in Tarrytown Presents Stress & Insomnia: Breaking the Cycle

March 9, 6:15-7:30pm. Dr. Somesh Kaushik discusses how Ayurvedic medicine can help reduce stress and insomnia with natural medicines and diet.

Mt. Kisco Library Presents Meditation and Mindfulness

Learn various techniques to help  focus and bring awareness to the present moment which offers us a profound amount of peace with repeated practice. It also helps relieve anxiety, stress, and breaks up negative thought patterns, and negative self talk, as well as cultivate self love and compassion for ourselves and others, and promote connection, community, and peace to all! Please email mtkref@wlsmail.org to receive the Zoom ID and Password

The Bronxville Library Presents Meditation with Justin Kessler

This program explores the transformational factors at play when we cultivate a meditation practice. Brief discussions, followed by periods of guided and silent sitting will illuminate the pathways leading to greater focus, lower stress and anxiety, improved self-image, and an ability to more easily manage all facets of life.

https://bronxvillelibrary.org/events/meditation-with-justin-kessler/

The Pelham Library Presents Find Your Balance

The Pelham Library is proud to introduce Find Your Balance, a new virtual wellness program for adults and teens designed to help participants learn techniques to reduce stress. The program incorporates relaxation techniques, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. These 15- to 30-minute classes will be led by Pelham resident Emilia Halpern, a registered yoga teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, wellness guide and founder of Breathe for Life.

Yoga Nidra, Wednesday, February 10, 7 pm

Morning Alignment, Wednesday, February 17, 9:30 am

Qigong/Tai Chi At The Mamaroneck Library Via Zoom

The class will be led by certified QiGong teacher, Steve Goldstein. Qigong (pronounced CHEE-gung) is an ancient Chinese form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times and can be performed by just about anyone. The movements are very much like light stretching and light calisthenics. Qigong combines movement, breathing and meditation to improve health, fitness and well-being by moving universal energy through the body.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. Class duration is 45 minutes.  Open to ages 18 & up. Click here to register.

Videos About Stress and Stress Reduction

Learn How to Meditate!




Click here

The NY Project Hope COVID 19 website has excellent tips on strategies for relaxation.   Click here.