The Le Mars Public Library has announced their “Beat the Blues Challenge”, with weekly challenges starting from next week until March.
The challenges are designed as a simple and free way to combat the long weeks of winter. While the daylight has been diminishing noticeably since late fall, the busyness of holidays and family gatherings can mask the effects of less sunlight until the quiet, long days of January. In a news release, library director Shirley Taylor notes that “winters in Iowa means longer periods of darkness and many days without bright sunshine”.
Each week between January 12th and March 6th, the library will have a simple weekly task for adults and teens designed to lift the Winter Blues. The first challenge will be available next Monday, focusing on journaling. Participants can pick up a free journaling kit for the first challenge, and a punch card to track completion of future challenges.
In addition to the first challenge this week, the library will hold an information session, “Winter Blues vs. SAD”, presented by Rosanne Kertles from Senior Life Solutions, on January 14th at 5:30pm.
If you’re feeling blue this winter, and if the feelings last for several weeks, talk to a healthcare provider. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline by dialing 988.
