A health sciences library promotes wellness with free yoga

Abstract

Background: Yoga is a popular physical exercise activity with mental health benefits. Public and academic libraries have offered free yoga as their primary movement-based program. Case Presentation: In an attempt to bolster wellness and connect to the health sciences community, an academic health sciences library offered free yoga as a ten-week trial series in summer 2016. At the end of the trial series, weekly attendance and online feedback data determined that this series should continue. Conclusions: Yoga provides health professionals and students with a welcomed midday break from a stressful work environment. Additionally, by partnering with yoga instructor trainee programs, the financial burden is low for the library.

Keywords

• Yoga
• Library
• Wellness
• Health Promotion
• Fitness
• Library Programs
• Movement-Based Library Programs
• Mindfulness