Relieve stress during Stress Awareness Month at Shreve Memorial Library

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Shreve Memorial Library (SML) is raising awareness about the negative impacts of stress through interactive programs and activities during Stress Awareness Month (SAM) in April.

SAM is designed to highlight how stress can affect physical health, relationships, and mental well-being. If left unchecked, stress can cause health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. SAM aims to foster open conversations and provide proactive support to reduce the stigma associated with stress, promote self-care, and offer guidance on recognizing and managing stress.

“At Shreve Memorial Library, library programs provide a multitude of opportunities and methods for patrons to de-stress, unwind, and relax,” the release stated. “Reading has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress. The Hosston and West Shreveport Branches will host bookmark-making workshops to encourage patrons to check out a book and read.”

SML’s Hosston Branch will host their bookmark-making workshop on Wednesday, April 23, at 2 p.m., while the West Shreveport Branch’s workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 30, at 5 p.m.

“Coloring and meditation are two additional ways to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve focus and concentration, enhance fine motor skills, and promote mindfulness and creativity,” the release stated.

Coloring and meditation sessions will be held at the David Raines Branch on Thursday, April 24, at 11 a.m. A meditation workshop will take place at the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch on Tuesday, April 29, at 4:30 p.m. The Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch will also hold a teen coloring session at 5 p.m. on the same day.

“Another aim of Stress Awareness Month is to help build healthy relationships in which people can openly discuss conversations around stress and provide support for those seeking ways to address stress and mental health challenges,” the release stated. “At the Belcher-Wyche Branch, library patrons are invited to attend Coffee Time on Friday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. Patrons will enjoy a cup of coffee, a cold drink, or a treat while discussing challenges and ways to manage stress.”

According to the release, many people find stress relief through crafting and hands-on projects. Patrons can create sachet bags with cinnamon and other scents at the Wallette Branch on Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m. Guests will be able to plant ivy in large coffee mugs at the North Caddo Branch’s gardening session on Wednesday, April 30, at 3 p.m.

All programs are free and open to the public, with all supplies provided. For more information on these and other SML programs, visit www.shreve-lib.org. For more information on Stress Awareness Month and tips for preventing and managing stress, please visit www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2025/.