Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week.

As Fall Break comes to a close, it may be easy to mourn the loss of your free time and feel stressed for what is to come. While (sadly), we can’t exactly change our upcoming workloads and schedules, we can take a moment to breathe and take care of ourselves before it gets overwhelming. This weekend’s recs are some of my self-care favorites to keep you rejuvenated as you enter the semester once more (but even if none of these are your cup of tea, I still hope you are able to take some time to prioritize your own self-care).

If you have 49 seconds…and are dealing with negative thoughts, watch this soothing and uplifting TikTok. It might not cure you of all the negativity swirling around in your (I’m sure beautiful and capable) brain, but it might be a helpful reminder when you’re struggling.

If you have 4 minutes…and want to relax with an oddly calming classic Internet video, watch “MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON.” Perhaps an early version of ASMR, Marcel the Shell is an oddly endearing sentient clay-mation seashell with a small voice (provided by the very talented Jenny Slate) and positive vibes.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

If you have 5 minutes…and need to do something tactile, play with some putty (slime’s less messy cousin). I use Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, which comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and scents. (Also, if you can get your hands on one, Falvey’s stress balls are great).

If you have 15 minutes…and want to learn more about self-care and what it looks like for others, read this New York Times article. It might give you some ideas for new self-care practices you could work into your own routine.

If you have 20 minutes…and need to find a new calming soundtrack, listen to Alice Kristiansen’s recent album Memos from Maine. “Lucid Dreaming” and “Oregon” are my particular favorites for taking a few minutes for myself. (And of course, Hozier’s self titled album is also great for calming any nerves).

If you have 1 hour…and need to get your endorphins pumping, go on a walk or a hike. If you don’t want to leave campus, check out Villanova’s self-guided tree tour. It’ll take you on a walk around campus and show you some interesting greenery.

If you have 2 hours…and need to throw something on in the background, watch one of your comfort movies or TV shows (perhaps from Falvey’s DVD Collection). Addams Family Values is my favorite comfort film, especially during October. Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is a more recent comfort movie of mine (even though it’s not entirely comforting).

If you have 8 hours…and have been bogged down with reading for classes, read a book for fun. Although we might be a bit biased at Falvey, reading something you actually enjoy might help rekindle your love for reading (or at least make it seem less like a chore), while keeping your brain active. Sarah Dessen’s Just Listen has been a comfort book of mine since middle school.

Bonus: If you want to set-up a good habit for the rest of the semester, join Falvey’s Mindfulness Monday virtual session this Monday, Oct. 17. Campus Ministries will lead us through a guided meditation/mindfulness exercise that will leave you feeling less stressed.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.