Happy Reads

Lately, with all the doom and gloom brought about by the ongoing pandemic, I think it's more important than ever to do some serious self-care, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. Reading is a great way to relax our minds and focus on something else other than the news.

If you're looking for some books to put you in a good mood and lift your spirits, I highly recommend the following books that are sure to brighten your day:

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Overdrive) A grumpy, lonely old man finds friendship with caring neighbors.
• The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu (RBdigital) Two of the world's spiritual leaders share their experiences and insights on how to find joy in life.
• The Walk by Richard Paul Evans (Hoopla--Audiobook) A man who loses everything--his business, his home, and his wife--sets off on a walk across America to find himself.
• The Little French Bistro by Nina George (Overdrive, RBdigital) Stuck in an unhappy, loveless marriage of over 40 years, a woman leaves her husband to begin anew on the coast of Brittany.
• Anything by Debbie Macomber (Hoopla, Overdrive, RBdigital) These feel-good books follow a familiar formula--characters unhappy with their lives support each other through crises to find their happy endings.
• One Good Deed by Erin McHugh (Hoopla) A bookseller documents her year of trying to do one good deed, no matter how great or small, every day.
• The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick (Hoopla--Audiobook) An elderly gentleman stumbles upon his late wife's charm bracelet, and while learning more about her, he learns to move on and live life fully.

Do you have an upbeat book you'd recommend? Share it with us!

Happy readings from the perch.

Forest Bathing (Swimming Suit Not Required)

I probably don't have to tell you that the COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful time. We're all worried about a number of things--staying healthy, going to work, schooling children, and safely grocery shopping, among others. No matter our age, so many aspects of our lives are being affected right now, and it feels like there's no escape...or is there?

"Forest bathing" or shinrin-yoku is a concept the Japanese created in the early 1990s. Contrary to the term, it has nothing to do with taking a bath in the forest, but has everything to do with immersing yourself in nature. Some would call it nature therapy. It's all about going into a forest, looking at the trees and flora, smelling the fresh air, feeling the breeze on your skin, and enjoying the warmth of the sun.

Doctors and scientists have known for a long time that being outdoors, even in your backyard or on your deck, can do wonders for your mental health, decreasing stress and improving your mood. Going outdoors can help your physical health as well, whether you're simply walking or doing some other kind of activity, like biking.

Luckily for us in the Inland Northwest, we're surrounded by nature. We have forests, parks, fields, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. There are nature trails to walk and bike paths to ride. We can do things by ourselves or together with members of our household. And since the outdoors are full of space, practicing social distancing from others is a cinch.

So, go out and get a good dose of Vitamin N! Nature is the one thing that's always open. Leave your cell phones and the world behind for a little while. Focus on all the sights, sounds, scents, and sensations around you. And if you need help with where to immerse yourself in the local nature, your friendly, neighborhood perch librarian is here to help.

Wishing you calming, peaceful vibes from the perch.