A friend recently recommended a book called “Wintering” – have you heard of this? (yes, we just turned a season into a verb). Wintering is the idea that we should take advantage of the colder, darker winter months to retreat from our “normal” overscheduled, overstimulated, overproductive lives to rest, retreat, and gird our loins for the next season, where we might need to tap into that energy, strength, and reserves to face the next challenge or transition.
In the animal kingdom, we call it hibernation, and it seems to just come naturally to our furry, feathered friends. But in the modern world, we are terrible at slowing down and taking care of ourselves, so we have to be intentional if we are going to take advantage of the winter season.
How to ‘Winter Well’
Slow Down
This is not the season to kick it into high gear and sprint for the finish line. It’s the season to slow down and conserve your energy. Now is not the time to start a new hobby, start a new house project, or adopt an ambitious New Year’s resolution. Now is the time to embrace free time and to use it well. Have an unexpectedly free afternoon? Dust off the book that’s been languishing on your nightstand, put together a puzzle, call that friend who you haven’t more than texted in a few months.
Nourish Yourself
There’s nothing wrong with focusing on cleaner or healthier eating this time of year, but don’t fall prey to toxic diet culture. Your body needs good food to be at its best, so time to bust out the slow cooker for some hearty and nourishing meals. Think soups, whole grains, vitamin-packed smoothies, etc. And don’t underestimate the power of a warm beverage on a cold day, it literally can warm your soul.
Sleep
We know sleep is important, but the cool thing about your body is that it is primed to get more of it during the winter – those shorter days were meant to force us to turn in earlier! But the modern world has tricked us into thinking we don’t need it. So, practice good sleep hygiene and catch up on those zzzz’s.
Get Outside
Wintering doesn’t mean isolating yourself indoors and avoiding the outside. Bundle up and get out for some fresh air! There’s nothing more magical than walking through fresh snow with the only sound being your boots crunching through the frozen layers. Go sledding with the kids. We all know the old Scandinavian saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”.
Indulge
It seems like moms are conditioned to sacrifice their own health and happiness in service to their families, but don’t be a martyr – Invest in this season like you would for any other special or significant time, it’s no less deserving: buy a new candle to burn, download some new books or audiobooks, stockpile the fuzzy socks, cozy sweaters, and throw blankets; and splurge on some ‘fancy’ tea for your afternoon cuppa (better make it decaf, though!). Having some treats or something nice to look forward to will help you embrace the beauty of winter.
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Winter may not always be easy or glamorous (I’m looking at you, Alternative Method of Instruction school days!), but if you learn to embrace the rhythm of the season and the gifts winter has to offer, your future body and spirit will thank you.
