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.

Photo courtesy of Shawn Proctor, Communication and Marketing Program Manager.

Falvey Library staff hosted a pop-up midterm stressbuster on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Students were treated to some fun snacks, feel-good music, and helpful Library essentials. Have a great fall break, Wildcats!

Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Memorial Library.

Villanova students stop for an ugly sweater photo with Will D. Cat during the 2016 Falvey Library Stress Busting Open House.

We’re reminiscing on this sunny Friday. We wish we could be hosting our annual stress busting open house. We’ve had so many fun events—from tasty treats (nacho bar, cereal bar, tater tot bar, dessert bar) to funky themes (spinning vinyl records, ugly sweater contests)—we always enjoy celebrating the end of the semester with the Villanova community.

“Finals can get ugly…so get help.” The ugly sweater theme from our Dec. 2016 open house rings true now more than ever—Falvey Library can help you virtually. Conducting research for a final project? Explore our collection of articles, e-books, and more! Looking for research assistance? Contact your subject librarian! Visit our blog for additional information on accessing Falvey’s resources off campus. Good luck on finals, ‘Cats!

Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Memorial Library.

Hey, Wildcats! We’ll be offering one more virtual pet visit this semester for some fun stress relief. Take a break, press “paws,” and join us via Zoom. You’ll have a chance to meet Max and Nova on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 12-12:30 p.m. Join URL (Villanova email required for entry).

Max (with Jeannine Ahern, Finance and Administration Specialist)

Max is a very lovable, yet fierce, 8-year-old Yorkshire terrier. Max’s full-time job is to protect the Ahern house from squirrels, chipmunks, and the mailman. He is a true lap dog. In addition to cuddling, his favorite activities are belly scratches, playing fetch with the ball, and running on the beach. Max’s favorite snacks are carrots, pretzels, and peanut butter! We love Max! Yorkies tend to have a long life expectancy, so, we’re looking forward to many more fun-filled years with our buddy Max!

Nova (with Shawn Proctor, Communication and Marketing Program Manager) 

Nova is a two-year-old mixed terrier, named for her owner’s favorite college. She was rescued from Brandywine SPCA and enjoys long walks, short runs, and lots of peanut butter. When not loudly debating the relative merits of dogs v. cats with the home’s resident felines, Nova can be seen sprinting from room to room. And, despite her resemblance to Pete the Pup, alas, she is not the granddaughter of the Little Rascals doggo.

Attendees are free to bring their own pets, but please note that furry friends are not required—all are welcome to come check out the animals. Upon entering Zoom, attendees can choose whether to keep their microphones/audio on or off, depending on whether they would like to interact with the animals and attendees or simply observe. The event will be moderated by a library staff member, so please feel free to also use the chat feature to ask any questions if you do not want to unmute yourself.

Do midterms have you feeling stressed? Let us lend you a helping “paw”—unwind and grab that extra boost you need to finish the fall semester strong! This event, sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library, is free and open to all Villanova students, faculty, and staff.

Regina Duffy is Communication and Marketing Program Manager at Falvey Memorial Library. Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Memorial Library.

Finals week is here! We know that a lot of students are dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, especially due to the challenging times we are facing with COVID-19. Although we can’t be together for on-site stress bustin’ activities this semester, Falvey is here to support you when you need it most. Whether you are looking for last-minute research assistance from a librarian, help navigating the library’s resources or just a general boost in the right direction, we have you (virtually) covered!

In order to combat test stress this semester, we are proud to present our first-ever virtual pet visit. So, be sure to take a break, press “paws,” and join us via Zoom for a virtual pet visit featuring some of Falvey Library’s furry friends. You’ll have a chance to meet  Lemon, DeLune, Henrietta, Claude, and Jesse, on Tuesday, May 5, from 12-12:30 p.m. Join URL: (Villanova email required for entry).

More information about our (wild)cats and dogs can be found here.

In addition to the virtual pet visit, please check out some additional resources below to help you reduce your stress, lift your mood, manage your workload, and stay positive during finals week.

Art
Falvey’s Villanova-themed Coloring Pages
Free MoMA Art Classes

DIY Fun
Stress Relief Crafts
Make your Own Stress Ball
DIY Bookmarks

Music
List of Live Concerts via NPR 

Culture
Broadway Plays

Games
Board Game Arena
Brain Teasers and Trivia via Briangle 

Exercise, Meditation, and Mindfulness
Practice yoga from Yoga with Adrienne
Guided Meditations with Tara Branch
Pixel Thought Meditation Tool
Koru Mindfulness
Tips to Think Positively from the Mayo Clinic

Eating
Publix Online Cooking Tutorials

Apps to Check Out
12 Apps to Help You Beat Stress from This Way Up

Podcasts
Stress Relief Podcasts

Virtual Tours
San Diego Zoo Live Cams 
Tour a National Park with the National Park Service
Association for Public Art’s Virtual Art Tours in Philly

Please also check out these helpful Villanova University Resources:

Health/Well Being
Health Promotion’s Guide to Stress Management 

Student Health’s Campus Well

Research Assistance
Consult with a Librarian via email or Live Chat.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and need additional support, please contact the Patricia B. and Gary M. Holloway University Counseling Center.

Remember, the Falvey Virtual Library is open and ready to help. Good luck with your finals, Wildcats!

Hey all you (wild) cats and kittens! Do finals and work have you feeling stressed? Take a break, press “paws,” and join us via Zoom for a virtual pet visit featuring some of Falvey Library’s furry friends. You’ll have a chance to meet Lemon, DeLune, Henrietta, Claude, and Jesse, on Tuesday, May 5, from 12-12:30 p.m. Join URL: (Villanova email required for entry).

Lemon (with Caroline Sipio, Access and Collections Coordinator)

Lemon is a zesty miniature wirehaired dachshund! She is little and bright, loves to roll in the grass, and chase leaves as her mini beard rustles in the wind.

DeLune (with Caroline Sipio, Access and Collections Coordinator)

DeLune is a longhaired miniature English Cream dachshund. She likes to sunbathe, cuddle, and loves meeting new people and their dogs at the park. Don’t let her small size fool you—she is the life of the party!

Henrietta (with Deborah Bishov, Social Sciences and Instructional Design Librarian)

Henrietta is an eight year old tabby cat, rescued from Philly ACCT, who might be part dog. She’s an irrepressible ham who enjoys meeting new people, giving nose-butts, and flopping.

Claude (with Deborah Bishov, Social Sciences and Instructional Design Librarian)

Claude is a twelve year old tabby cat who’s a lovable curmudgeon. He interprets sneezes as conversation and enjoys squirrel-watching from the window.

Jesse (with Joanne Quinn, Director of Communication and Marketing)

Jesse is a 6 year old golden retriever—a real floofer for sure. He heckin loves string cheese and leftover ham. All the hoomins in his family are Nova grads. Only teh cat is not a ‘Cat. If you have pizza crust, he will be your fren. [Translated into doggo lingo].

Attendees are free to bring their own pets, but please note that furry friends are not required—all are welcome to come check out the animals. Upon entering Zoom, attendees can choose whether to keep their microphones/audio on or off, depending on whether they would like to interact with the animals and attendees or simply observe. The event will be moderated by a library staff member, so please feel free to also use the chat feature to ask any questions if you do not want to unmute yourself.

Feeling the stress? Let us lend you a helping “paw”—unwind and grab that extra boost you need to finish the semester strong! This event, sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library, is free and open to all Villanova students, faculty, and staff.

Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Memorial Library. Regina Duffy is Communication and Marketing Program Manager at Falvey Memorial Library.

I’m Daniella Snyder, a second-year graduate student at Villanova University, and your ’Cat in Falvey Library’s Stacks. I’ll be posting about academics–from books, to research, to study habits and everything in between–and how the Falvey Library can play a large role in your success here on campus!

Wildcats, it’s the Final(s) Countdown. *cue rock song*

Falvey believes that paying attention to your mental health becomes increasingly more important during these few weeks, which is why we are hosting a bunch of stress relief events in order to help you stay happy and healthy.

Mark your calendar with these:

Thursday, Dec. 12, 1-3 PM, Holy Grounds: Vinyls for Finals

That’s right, we’re back with Falvey’s famous semi-annual stress bustin’ event. This year’s event will feature a soundtrack from vinyl records, pizza, and games!

Thursday, Dec. 12, 4-6 PM, Speakers’ Corner: Stress-Relief Scrapbooking

Come take a break from finals stress and create a scrapbook with your own photos and art supplies, provided by the yearbook/CAT.

Friday, Dec. 13, 12-2 PM, Room 205: Happy Healthy Hours/Pals for Life

You know the deal. Therapy. Dogs. Cuddles.

Beyond hosting these events, we want to make you that you know how to cope with stress on your own, especially during hard times. Follow our list of advice to make your finals a little more manageable.

1. 1. Plan, plan, plan. Research has made it clear that stress can be managed through planning. Make daily and weekly to-do lists, set reminders on your phone, or use a handy paper planner. Personally, I make every large assignment due date as the first “event” in my Outlook calendar, so when I wake up in the morning and look at my schedule, I know exactly what’s due that day.
   2. Meditate. It’s obvious that meditation has incredible health benefits including clarity of mind, reduced anxiety, and minimal stress. Can’t sit still that long by yourself? Use the app Headspace (free to download!) to guide you through 5, 10, and 15-minute meditation sessions.
   3. OHIO. No, not the state. It stands for “Only handle it once.” Don’t think it’s a big deal if you let that email sit for a few days? Wrong. Having a million tasks– even if they’re small– is like having a million mental tabs open. If you remember that you haven’t spoken to your family in 2 weeks, don’t put it on the ever-expanding to-do list. Only handle it once…meaning, just do it immediately. Keeping a short list of things to do will reduce your stress in the long run.
   4. Positive affirmations. Instead of just checking things off a to-do list, people can often find it beneficial to write an “I’ve Done” list. Write a list of things you accomplished that day, along with things you did really well. Even if it’s a small task (like taking out the garbage) reminding yourself of your accomplishments can have seriously positive effects!
   5. Spend time with friends. Isolating yourself is guaranteed to amplify all negative and stressful emotions you have during exams week. Eat with people, study with people, get coffee with people. Do not (I repeat: do NOT) lock yourself up in your room or apartment alone. You need your people, especially when things get tough.
   6. Sleep, eat, and shower. While this seems obvious, students often fail to prioritize basic human necessities during stressful academic weeks. Please…take care of yourself. Sleep 7-8 hours a night, drink your water, eat food, and shower. Your body and mind will thank you when this is all over.
   7. Seek counseling. If you feel like college always makes you finals-level stressed, you might want to consider talking to a professional about more effective and long-term ways to manage stress or anxiety. Visit the Counseling Center’s website here.
   
   
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Looking for some stress relief? Save the date for these events:

Where Is the Love Wednesdays/Stress-Free Healthy Happy Hours

We’ll welcome our furry friends from Pals for Life in room 205 on Wed., Dec.4, from 3–4 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 13, from 12–2 p.m.

Vinyls For Finals: Semi-Annual Stress Bustin’ Open House

Now playing: stress relief. We’ll be serving FREE pizza and spinning your favorite albums on our record player on Thurs., Dec. 12, 1–3 p.m. in the first floor lounge.

In need of some last-minute research assistance? Contact your subject librarian!

Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Memorial Library.