I’m on a bit of a journey to try and live more in tune with the seasons, and this of course involves slowing down in the winter months (which is not something I’ve been that good at in previous years!).
Other animals, particularly mammals like us, retreat from the world for half of the year. Even if they don’t hibernate fully, many animals go into a state of ‘torpor’ where they sleep more, eat more and conserve energy.
Tiffany Francis-Baker puts this best - “As humans, we treat every season more or less the same, then wonder why we feel burnt out, exhausted, stressed, depressed and anxious. We eat the wrong food at the wrong time of year, exchange sunlight for electric lightbulbs, work according to hours rather than energy levels, then take a few extra days off at Christmas and consider ourselves revived.”
So these are the ways I’m trying to slow down and align myself with the energy of winter, so that I can feel calmer, more grounded and more connected to the natural world throughout this busy season:
Creating cosy moments in my daily routine – lighting candles, sipping tea while I work, taking warm baths, even switching on lamps and fairy lights during dark mornings, all of the little things that add a sense of cosiness.
Getting outside everyday before it gets dark – I try to go for a walk everyday (even if it’s just a really short walk) to soak up some natural light and a bit of vitamin D. It’s not always easy to leave the house when it’s cold, but I always feel better for it!
Enjoying soothing hobbies – winter feels perfect for cosy activities like crafting, jigsaw puzzles, colouring (I’m on the TikTok colouring book hype), watching films, or curling up with a good book.
Slowing down my yoga practice – embracing more restorative and yin styles of yoga, listening to my body, and moving a bit more gently to match the slower pace of the season.
Making sure not to overbook myself – saying ‘no’ when I need to and leaving space in my schedule for rest.
Making the most of being inside – especially on the chilliest days, I’m focusing on enjoying the comfort of home by tackling all of the unread books on my bookshelf and savouring quiet moments.
Ultimately, it’s about intentional rest - honouring your body’s needs, slowing down when you can, and finding joy in the small things that nurture your energy.
💛 If this resonates with you, join me for my Winter Workshop: Embracing Stillness on Sunday 26th January. This special workshop will focus on slowing down, finding stillness, and restoring your energy after the busy festive season. 🌙
Spots are limited. Click the link below for more details and to book your place! I’d love to see you there. 💕
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