3 Mental Health Reads for Winter With shorter days and colder weather setting in, it’s natural for our mental health to be affected. The colder months can make it harder to stay motivated, connected, and energized, which is why taking care of our mental and emotional well-being is especially important this time of year. Reading can be a simple yet powerful way to nurture yourself — offering comfort, new perspectives, and practical tools for growth. Here are a few thoughtful books that can help you better understand your emotions, manage stress, and find inspiration through the winter season. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear Winter Fun with Youth & Teen Services The Calm Corner - from our Library Social Worker DIY Wobbling Snowman Have you ever built a snowman? Have you ever dreamed of your snowman coming alive? With this craft, you can make your own snowman friend that wobbles around with you! You will make a wheel with traction, and you will power your snowman with the release of tension from a wound-up rubber band. You can wind up your snowman over and over to have him wobble around all year! You will need: • Paper Cups • Small roll of tape • Rubber bands • Duct tape • Scissors • Decorations 1) Decorate your cup like a snowman 2) Duct tape a rubber band around a small roll of tape horizontally.. 3) Wrap 1-2 more rubber bands around the tape in the opposite direction. 4) Cut 2 small slits on the lip of one side of the cup about half an inch apart. 5) Repeat step 4 on the other side of the cup lip. 6) Wrap the first rubber band roll around the slits to keep it in place. 7) Wind up the roll and rubber band. 8) Set it down, release, and watch it go! Reading Suggestions from Carly & Holly: Books to read about snowmen: The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner I'm Going to Build a Snowman by Jashar Awan Explore our STEAM programs for kids at the Troy Main Branch and Oakes-PH locations. Need Help? Kenzie, our Library Social Worker, is available to assist you at both the Troy Main Branch and Oakes-Beitman Library in Pleasant Hill. You can reach Kenzie by: Email: khuff@tmcpl.org Phone: (937) 573-2621 Online form: www.tmcpl.org She’s knowledgeable about local resources and can connect you with organizations. Explore our monthly Mindful Programs at both the Troy Main Branch and the Oakes-PH Branch this Fall!
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