Winter Self Care
Winter is a season of change, an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. Through the NNLM Reading Club, we celebrate this time of year by exploring books that inspire warmth, resilience, and togetherness. Whether through stories of personal growth, reflections on nature, or insights into mental health, each selection encourages us to care for ourselves and support those around us.
This theme highlights the joy of seasonal living, the power of reading to build community, and the importance of looking out for our neighbors and loved ones as we explore topics like mindfulness, connection, and wellness. Learn about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how understanding it can help us thrive during the colder months. You can refer to the resources below or to the featured book.
Host a book club or read one of the futured books, and reflect on how winter can be a time of healing, joy, and meaningful connection.
Discover MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine, the largest biomedical library in the world. Use MedlinePlus.gov anywhere, anytime, on any device - for free - to discover high-quality health and wellness information that is reliable, easy to understand, and free of advertising, in both English and Spanish.
Discover information on:
NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Cold-weather wellness
NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Help your child through winter ear infections
Discover NIH
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – National Institute of Mental Health Learn about SAD, a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, especially in fall and winter. This resource covers symptoms, causes, and treatment options like light therapy and medication
- 5 Tips: Natural Products for the Flu and Colds – NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)
Evidence-based guidance on popular natural remedies like zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea. Understand what works, what doesn’t, and how to use these products safely.
Discover More
- Winter Infographics – NWS
Interactive maps and visual data on precipitation frequency and winter weather trends across the U.S., useful for understanding local risks. - Winter Weather Preparedness – Ready.gov
Comprehensive guide to preparing your home, car, and emergency kits for winter storms, plus safety advice for power outages and extreme cold. - Preventing Hypothermia – CDC
Learn how to recognize and respond to hypothermia, including symptoms, risk factors, and emergency actions to take when body temperature drops dangerously low. - Preventing Frostbite – CDC
Understand the signs of frostbite, how to treat it safely, and how to prevent it by dressing properly and limiting exposure to extreme cold. - Winter Storm Preparedness – American Red Cross
Offers detailed guidance on how to prepare before, during, and after a winter storm. Includes tips on staying warm, preventing frostbite and hypothermia, and understanding weather alerts like watches and warnings.
Featured Books
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Title: Defeating SADPublisher G&D MediaYear published 2023Book image
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Title: How to WinterPublisher Penguin LifeYear published 2024Book image
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Title: WinteringPublisher Riverhead BooksYear published 2010Book image
Terms of use: Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) staff offer these health discussion resources for educational use. The materials included do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the author, publisher, or the sponsoring agencies of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).