In November 2019, your Library’s teen volunteers received an ETSU Elevates grant to host a weeklong program in Spring 2020 about teen mental health and stress management. However, “De-Stress Week” had to be put on hold in 2020 because of the pandemic.
A Teen De-Stress Week is more important than ever, so we’re holding it this May 16-21. Your Library will offer ongoing stress relief activities and several free de-stress events throughout the week.
Why De-Stress?
JCPL teen volunteers had decided to focus their efforts on teen anxiety after discussing their own difficulties dealing with stress.
During their presentation at the ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition in November 2019, former volunteer Taryn shared, “We [teens] are so stressed out and we don’t know how to cope. No one has taught us how.”
Stress and anxiety are growing problems for teens. According to the National Institute of Health, nearly one in three adolescents will experience an anxiety disorder by the age of 18.
JCPL teen volunteer Sophia says, “High school is a stressful time for all of us, with extracurriculars, academics, and no small amount of drama. The month of May is especially bad, with Advanced Placement tests upon finals upon projects. The sheer workload alone is enough to overwhelm anybody.”
Teen volunteer Abby agrees. “Being a teenager, especially due to the disruptions of the last couple of years, can be stressful,” she says. “When these stressors aren’t managed it can lead to worse mental health and poorer functioning. By learning how to manage stress, we can avoid the worst outcomes and live happier, more well-balanced lives.”
Abby and Sophia see de-stress practices as vitally important for their health. Abby says, “Stress relief practices have taught me to be more mindful of how I handle my stress and negative emotions so that I can effectively prepare for and do whatever life calls for, from prepping for a big swim meet to taking a test.”
Sophia says, “I find that taking the time to do arts and crafts really alleviates much of my academic related stress. Taking a break to explore my more creative side reinvigorates me when it’s time to focus on other subjects. I also find keeping myself physically healthy through yoga and various sports to be extremely rewarding in terms of my mental health.”
(You can learn more about teen anxiety here.)
De-Stress Events
Your Library will offer ongoing stress relief activities and several free de-stress events throughout De-Stress Week.
Painting and Pizza for ages 12-18 will be held Wednesday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. Teens can paint, eat pizza, and socialize. They’ll also get to take home a free project. Registration is required.
We’re hosting a Family Movie Night for teens and their families on Friday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. We’ll watch Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out.” Snacks will be provided. You don’t need to register, but the viewing is limited to the first 40 people.
Ages 12-18 and their families are invited to Beginner’s Yoga on Saturday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. Along with a free yoga session, you’ll get a light breakfast and a free yoga mat to take home! You don’t need to register, but the session is limited to the first 40 people on a first come, first serve basis.
The De-Stress Expo—which will focus on how to keep ourselves mentally and physically healthy—will be held on Saturday, May 21 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Local community organizations will be at the Library to offer mental health information and strategies, and there will be two workshops you can attend. Check out some stress relief activities while you’re here, pet a therapy dog, and take home tons of swag and prizes!
Find more information about De-Stress Week activities and events here.
Call Amy Taylor at (423) 434-4349 with questions about De-Stress Week. If you’re interested in becoming a teen volunteer, you can download the application and return it to the Library.
Find out more of what your Library offers for teens here. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates on your Library’s collections and services.
