A health sciences library promotes wellness with free yoga

J Med Libr Assoc. 2019 Jan;107(1):80-88. doi: 10.5195/jmla.2019.475. Epub 2019 Jan 1.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Libraries, Medical*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Program Evaluation
  • Universities
  • Utah
  • Yoga*
  • Young Adult