For many, the winter season can bring cheer, family connections, and gratitude. Winter is also known to bring depression, stress, isolation, sleep disturbances, and health issues. No one is completely immune to the stress that winter can bring, and each person has a different balance of the positive and negatives that this season brings. If you are finding that the negatives are outweighing the positives in your life this season, or just feeling more down or stressed than you would like, or maybe someone you know may not being doing so well, then keep on reading!

Here are some warning signs that you may be experiencing the winter blues according to Mayo Clinic:

• Feeling more irritable with others
• Not leaving the house as much as you used to
• Eating more or less than normal
• Sleeping more or less than normal
• Having thoughts of wanting to go to sleep and never wake up
• Having difficulty concentrating

If you or someone you know is feeling this way, do not brush it off! You can have a more enjoyable winter! Here are some of the things that you can do:

• Talk to your doctor
• Talk to a therapist
• Talk to your family and friends about how you are doing, there is someone to help support you
• Go for a walk
• Try mindfulness, the library has books and kits to try out, or explore resources online
• Develop habits; routines can bring people out of a rut
• Be social; swing by the library for an activity or to ask staff for a book suggestion
• If you are able, be kind towards others, check on your neighbors
• Put yourself first; it is ok to take a break from family to read a book or do something else you enjoy

Your library is here for you and cares for our community members. Whether you are alone, or have your family or friends in tow, there are many programs that can be a part of your winter self-care that gets you out of your house and hopefully out of your rut. Make a conscious effort to opt out of stress and opt in to living your life.

If you have more questions about library materials and events, please visit the library’s Information and Reference staff on the second floor, call us at 715-839-5004, or email us at reference@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.

If you want to get connected to community resources to support your social, mental, and physical health, please contact the Community Resource Specialist by stopping in or at 715-839-5061 or at libbyr@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.