Stress Busting Programs Offered at Somerset County Libraries

Don't stress out this weekend. Take a deep breath and relax.

Now head over to the library as Somerset County Library System of New Jersey is offering a variety of free yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, art therapy, and stress management programs.

“The library is a place where people come to find information and solutions,” said Selwa Shamy, SCLSNJ support services manager in a release. “What comes to mind usually are resources like books, magazine articles, and research by our skilled staff. Offering programs where people can come together to learn skills to manage stress fits perfectly into our mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities.”

Upcoming Stress Busting Programs at SCLSNJ:

• Yoga Basics/Gentle Flow

March 5 & April 2, 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater

All levels are welcome - ideal not only for beginners in yoga practice, but also for the more experienced who wish to deepen their knowledge in the basics of alignment and breathing. Emphasis will be placed on safe, effective alignment principles and a slower version of the flow in order to find ease and enjoyment within the challenge of the practice. Space is limited. Registration is required. For more information about 3/5: http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=33032&lib=

For more information about 4/2: http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=33033&lib=

• Yoga & Art Therapy with Carrier Clinic

April 9, 2:30 to 4 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Somerville Library branch, located at 35 West End Avenue in Somerville

Catherine Rosa is an Art Therapist and Certified Yoga Instructor at Carrier Clinic's East Mountain Youth Lodge residential program. During this program, she will lead a gentle yoga practice including postures, meditation, and breathing techniques for relaxation followed by an Art Therapy activity. No athletic or artistic skill and/or experience is required but the participants must be able to sit on the floor on a mat. Participants should dress comfortably. Yoga mats will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required. For more information: http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=33256&lib=1006

• Taxation with Relaxation

April 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater

April 15th can be a stress-filled date for many Americans, getting those last minute forms filled out and possibly writing a large check made out to the IRS. To help relieve some of that stress, Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation of Branchburg will provide free Therapeutic Chair Massages in the front lobby on a first come first serve basis. For more information: http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=40135&lib=

• Stress Management

April 12, 1 to 3 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater

This workshop explores the causes of stress and suggests general and specific stress management strategies that people can use every day. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information: http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=36840&lib=

• Adult Coloring Club

May 9 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Peapack & Gladstone Library branch, located at the Municipal Complex on School Street in Peapack

Whether you’re looking for stress relief, relaxation, a spark of creativity, or just want to reconnect with your inner child, come pick up a pencil or pen and join the Library for a night filled with coloring. Drop in for a few minutes or join us for the whole evening. All supplies will be provided. For more information: http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=39231&lib=1005

• Experience Meditation

May 9, 7 to 8 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Hillsborough Library branch, located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough

Suzen RavenHeart will speak about the different forms of meditation and how each person finds their own way to what is right for them. Meditation done on a regular basis can change one's life for the better by improving health, focus, and relationships. Suzen will lead two meditations during the program. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket or pillow. For more information:

http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=39342&lib=

• Meditation: From Stress to Stillness

May 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater

Jim Rose, M.Ed. Rutgers University, retired Vice President of Johnson and Johnson, and long time meditator, will lead this inspiring workshop, demonstrating the most practical methods of calming the mind for better meditations. Jim will share a simple technique, which if practiced regularly, can reduce stress. For more information: http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=39354&lib=

• Introduction to Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

May 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Hillsborough Library branch, located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough

Roger Qian will cover the basic knowledge and benefits of acupuncture as well as Chinese Medicine. Chinese medicine and acupuncture may help you with pain management, allergies, smoking cessation, and weight loss. Roger Qian is a licensed acupuncturist and nationally certified Chinese Herbalist who has been practicing acupuncture for over 16 years. For more information:

http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=38784&lib=

• Meditation: A Spiritual Solution to Stress, Anger, & Conflict

June 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bound Brook Memorial Library branch, located at 402 E. High Street in Bound Brook

Stress, anger and conflict are part of life in today’s world, but you don’t have to live with them 24-7. In this interactive program, Jim Rose, M.Ed. Rutgers University, retired executive with Johnson and Johnson, and long time meditator, will engage you through a series of exercises designed to show how meditation is a powerful tool for dealing with stress, anger and conflict. Through several meditation periods, you will have a chance to see how meditation is also the key to a rich inner life. For more information:

http://somerset.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=39491&lib=0

For more information about upcoming programs at SCLSNJ’s 10 library branches, visit SCLSNJ.org or contact your local library branch.

(Photo provided: SCLSNJ's Warren Township Library branch provided a relaxing atmosphere with soothing background music and hot chocolate during a recent Coloring for Adults program.)