Wellness Tips to Help Employees Stay Energized and Focused

Winter’s darker, colder months can take a toll on energy, focus, and overall well-being. According to results from a recent Healthy Minds Monthly Poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), winter can harm our mental health. Results indicated that Americans are twice as likely to say their mood declines in the winter (41%) as they say it improves (22%). When asked about what behaviors and feelings they noticed during the winter, Americans reported the following:

• 41% ─ Sleeping more
• 28% ─ Feeling fatigued 
• 27% ─ Feeling depressed
• 23% ─ Feeling Moody
• 20% ─ Losing interest in things they like
• 21% ─ Eating more sweets
• 14% ─ Problems sleeping

It would appear that the library profession is particularly vulnerable to the change in seasons. Women make up the majority of the library workforce. According to the Department of Professional Employees, 82.5% of librarians and 83.2% of library assistants were women in 2023. Results of the poll indicated that more women (45%) than men (37%) said their mood declined in winter and the time change had a greater impact on women—33% of women said it was bad for their mental health versus 26% of men. Generally, women reported more behavioral changes related to the change of season, such as feeling moody, and were less likely to report feeling happier (15% of women versus 21% of men).

Since many people are affected by the change of seasons (regardless of gender), it may be helpful to keep track of your mood. If you notice that you are feeling out-of-sorts, reflect on probable causes. If you think it could be related to the change of season, consider taking steps to manage your feelings. 

Find positive ways (i.e., take a walk outside, do something that you know lifts your spirit, connect with a friend that you enjoy spending time with, etc.) to counteract the negative impact. If you need to, also consider talking to a mental health counselor. They can help you discover strategies to ease you through a tough time. 

For employers who want to provide support for their staff, this article offers some ideas which focuses on mental, physical, financial and social well-being. Employers can use the ideas to help their employees flourish during these winter months. The article provides actionable tips to help your employees stay healthy, engaged, and productive, even as the seasons change. From creating a culture of well-being to encouraging movement and mindfulness, these strategies can help your people thrive.

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