The Stillwater Public Library is hosting a “Self-Care Workshop” for adults on Tuesday, April 29, from 6-7 p.m., at the Stillwater Community Center located at 315 W. 8th Avenue. This workshop is designed to help participants understand what self-care is, recognize its importance, identify potential barriers and create a personalized self-care plan. Registration is required to attend this free workshop.

According to Slate Magazine, before the 1960s “self-care” was a medical term doctors used to encourage patients to adopt healthy habits, primarily exercise and proper nutrition. Today, self-care is widely recognized as a way to help manage stress. Exercise and nutrition are both still components, but self-care now includes a much broader spectrum of factors that can enhance overall well-being.

Lacy Iakovakis, licensed master social worker, thinks self-care is a beneficial tool to help deal with a world that can often feel chaotic. She's presented similar workshops to college students in the past and is looking forward to presenting this workshop to the Stillwater community. 

“Self-care is one of the most important skills we can develop,” Iakovakis said. “But it is often one of the last things we do for ourselves.”

Through this workshop, Iakovakis aims to equip participants with practical skills to start or enhance their self-care practice. 

Iakovakis understands the many challenges of creating and maintaining a self-care plan. This workshop will address common barriers and misconceptions that can hinder self-care. It also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, which involves treating ourselves with the same care and understanding that we would offer a good friend in order to support our mental and emotional health and happiness. 

“Self-care goes beyond signing up for a yoga class, getting a massage or taking a nap,” Iakovakis said. “It is about committing to doing inner work that nurtures our well-being.” 

This workshop is free and open to the public. Those interested can register online at stillwaterok.gov/LibraryRegister, in person at the library’s help desk or by calling (405) 372-3633 x8106.  

Patrons looking for more information on the topic of self-care can find numerous books at the library. Some titles include:

• “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself” by Nedra Glover Tawwab (151.8 TAW)
• “Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN” by Tara Brach (158.1 BRA)
• “The Gift of Imperfections: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brene Brown (158 BRO)
• “The Art of Letting Go: Stop Overthinking, Stop Negative Spirals, and Find Emotional Freedom” by Nick Trenton (158.1 TRE)
• “The Body is not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love” by Sonya Renee Taylor (158.1 TAY)