Self-Care for Librarians During the Winter Slump

For those of us working in libraries during a Midwest winter—especially in the Chicagoland area—January can feel especially long. Short daylight hours, gray skies, and bitter cold make it harder to stay energized, even as our work continues at full speed. After the whirlwind of holiday programs, many librarians face a “winter slump,” when both physical and emotional energy feel in short supply.

But self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, intentional strategies can help you stay steady, healthy, and energized—even during the darkest months of the year.

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Why Winter Hits Librarians Hard

Winter brings unique challenges for library work:

• Reduced daylight: Limited exposure to natural light can leave even the most enthusiastic librarians feeling drained.
• Emotional labor: Greeting patrons, facilitating programs, and managing routines all take energy—even when it’s cold and gray outside.
• Planning ahead: January is often when ideas for Summer Reading Programs begin to take shape. While exciting, planning ahead while already low on energy can feel overwhelming.
• Cold-weather fatigue: For those of us in the Chicagoland area, long stretches of gray skies, icy sidewalks, and bitter wind make getting outside—or even commuting—more exhausting.

Recognizing these factors is the first step: understanding that your fatigue is real and valid helps reduce guilt and pressure.

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Practical, Desk-Friendly Self-Care Tips

You don’t need to overhaul your life to feel better at work. Try these approachable strategies:

• Light and Energy
  • Position your desk near a window whenever possible. Even indirect sunlight helps reset your internal clock.
  • Take a short “daylight lap” around the building or step outside briefly when weather allows.
  • Use a warm, bright desk lamp to create a cozy, uplifting workspace.
• Micro-Rest During the Workday
  • Give yourself two-minute resets between programs—stretch, breathe, or enjoy a cup of tea.
  • Close your eyes and focus on a slow breath, even for one cycle—it counts!
  • Keep a small comfort object or positive reminder at your desk to reset your mood quickly.
• Lowering the Bar (Permission to Let Go)
  • Reuse tried-and-true programs, crafts, and templates instead of creating everything from scratch.
  • Accept “good enough” over perfect. Some months, just showing up counts.
  • Prioritize tasks that truly matter, and let smaller projects wait.
• Emotional Self-Care
  • Practice gentle boundaries: it’s okay to say “not right now” or delegate when possible.
  • Connect with colleagues who understand the challenges—you don’t have to carry the winter alone.
  • Give yourself permission to rest without guilt. Librarianship is demanding, and maintaining energy is essential.

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At-Home Self-Care That Actually Works

Winter self-care continues beyond the library walls:

• Prioritize sleep and routine over extra productivity.
• Choose comfort reading or other restorative activities rather than professional work in your downtime.
• Create winter rituals—hot tea, a warm blanket, short walks, or cozy lighting—that signal your body it’s time to recharge.

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Looking Ahead With Kindness

Winter is temporary, and your energy naturally rises and falls. By taking small steps to care for yourself now—whether that’s setting boundaries, taking micro-breaks, or letting go of perfection—you’ll be better prepared for the months ahead. This is especially true as you begin planning for Summer Reading Programs: pacing yourself now helps you stay energized, creative, and ready to bring your best to programs and patrons alike.

Libraries are places of care—and librarians deserve that care too, especially during the long gray months of a Chicagoland winter.

Remember! Caring for yourself now sets the tone for a healthier, more balanced year—both at work and beyond.

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Jessica Brownley (she/her/hers) is a Youth Services Librarian at the Bartlett Public Library District in Bartlett, Illinois. She is dedicated to developing creative and immersive programs that spark curiosity and joy among children.