ALPENA — Caring for yourself allows you to properly care for others, according to organizers of “Community Self-care Day.”

The free event, set for noon to 5 p.m. this Saturday at Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, will feature massages, skin care, yoga, meditation, essential oils, herbal teas, Arbonne, Juice Plus+ vitamins and minerals, craft projects, a petting zoo of farm animals, adoptable pets from Second Chance Animal Shelter, lawn games including large wooden Yahtzee and Scrabble, and more. The Alpena County Library will be there, and discounts will be offered on planetarium shows.

“The idea behind it is ‘We’re Striving Ourselves Crazy’ always trying to do more and more and more, until we’re sick or resentful,” said Rose Nowak, owner of Better Living Massage Center, who is sponsoring the event.

She said taking care of yourself is not selfish.

“If our pitcher runs dry, we have nothing to pour from and we can’t fill other people’s cups,” she said. “It’s OK to relax and take care of yourself. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be done every single day at home.”

She said the day is “adult-focused, but kids are welcome.”

Since Saturday is Sept. 11, Nowak noted that it is the perfect time for municipal workers, fire, police and health care workers to stop in for some self-care.

“I hope they take advantage of some of the free services we are offering,” Nowak said.

She said this is an opportunity for the community to come relax and learn about services available to them.

“We want to highlight some of the things Alpena has to offer,” Nowak said.

For more information, call Better Living Massage Center at 989-354-2221, or email rose@blmcs.com.

Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St. in Alpena.