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We Recognize International Self-Care Day

July 24 is International Self-Care Day, a global reminder that caring for our physical, mental, and emotional health is a daily commitment, 24/7. It encourages individuals and communities to take active roles in their well-being through rest, connection, movement, or reflection.

At the UCC Library, we understand the many demands on students, faculty, and staff. This day invites us all to pause and ask: What do I need to feel well today? To support that reflection, the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library offers a range of digital and streaming resources focused on wellness, balance, and self-care. Reading is a powerful form of self-care—so come spend some meaningful time with these resources.

Books and eBooks: Some insightful books include Self-Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, which focuses on honoring your emotions, nurturing yourself, and building confidence. If Our Bodies Could Talk by James Hamblin offers a fascinating guide to understanding and maintaining the human body, covering a wide range of topics such as aging, diet, and sleep. And for all the mothers out there, Mother Nurture by Rick Hanson, Jan Hanson, and Ricki Pollycove is a comprehensive guide to supporting a mother’s health physically, emotionally, and in intimate relationships.

Academic Search Complete: Browse peer-reviewed research on mindfulness-based stress reduction, mental health among college students, burnout prevention, and the role of self-care in healthcare.

Films on Demand: Watch the film Stress Management to gain a deeper understanding of how stress affects the body and discover practical strategies for managing it in daily life. For those interested in maintaining emotional well-being or simply learning more about mental health, the film Maintaining Mental Health offers helpful tips and insights to support a healthier mindset.

Kanopy: This streaming platform offers a variety of self-care and wellness focused films. The Mindfulness Movie: The Benefits of Mindfulness, explores the science and practice of mindfulness, providing practical tools for reducing stress and increasing awareness. Another stand out title, Minimalism, examines the rise of the minimalist lifestyle as a response to consumer culture, encouraging a more intentional and meaningful way of living.

Gale OneFile: Health & Wellness: There are plenty of insightful articles and resources available that explore overall well-being. A few noteworthy articles include: Self-Care Practices and Relationships with Vitality and Health Complaints in Self-Employed Workers. This article is especially relevant for small business owners or anyone thinking about launching their own venture. It highlights how consistent self-care can support both physical health and long- term vitality in demanding work environments. Self-Care Alone Will Not Solve Burnout; Deeper Approach to Well-Being Is Key, challenges the idea that bubble baths and quick fixes are enough. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of burnout through meaningful lifestyle changes, boundaries and systemic support.

Supporting You, 24/7

International Self-Care Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that your well-being is important, not just once in a while, but every day. At UCC, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that values balance, inclusion, and compassion.

Whether you’re beginning a self-care routine or deepening your understanding of mental health and wellness, the UCC Library is here to support your journey with meaningful resources and a welcoming space to reflect and grow.

Take a moment on July 24, and every day, to listen to your needs. Because when we care for ourselves, we’re better able to care for others, learn deeply, and live fully.

Grief & Wellness

Grief is the word commonly used to refer to an individual’s or group’s shared experience following a loss. The experience of grief is not a momentary or singular phenomenon. Instead, it is a variable and somewhat predictable process of life. 

From “Grief and Guilt” by Layne Prest (2024)

Life has its ups and its downs, its highs and its lows. Different people handle different situations in a multitude of ways. No matter who you are, no matter what you are going through, you are not alone. There is always some to talk to, there is always a reason to go on. 

Resources to Help

The UCC Library has a number of resources to help you understand and process what you are going through. Below you will find a listing of some of these resources (articles, books, eBooks, & films). You can access these digital materials by clicking on the links and logging in with your 800#. For physical resources, please visit us during regular library hours.