I don’t know if anyone else has picked up on this, but… in contemporary society driven by modernity, everyone seems to behave as if life is an endless “summer”.
By “summer”, I’m referring essentially to two things.
“Summer” the season of Earth; everything is in bloom, the sun rises early and sets late, and there is always something happening.
The second “summer” is more of an internal season. For the female cycle in particular, this is associated with our ovulatory phase. We generally have more energy and endurance, more drive, a notably higher libido. We’re blooming and more social. We may even be more inspired, and therefore creative.
Except, living in a solar and masculine-dominant world… the concept of ebb and flow or going through all four seasons appears to either have been forgotten or completely discard in favor a hustle culture, constant ‘productivity’ hamster wheels greased with unhealthy coffee consumption and chronic burnout.
I KNOW I am not the only one who has noticed. In fact, I’m grateful to know that I am not alone in watching this unfold, and witnessing the detrimental consequences unfold in real time across the globe. No where is that more apparent than the States, where I was born and raised. Since the early 2000s, things have slowly gone to sh*t in regards to literally every aspect of life, but definitely with the rise of social media and the toxic grind culture.
And it is no more apparent than the rise in claims of burnout symptoms after the holidays until the thawing of Spring.
This is something I actually find rather depressing, and a missed opportunity for those who don’t allow themselves to Winter. And for the record, the concept of “wintering” has been around for a long, long time. I’m actively acknowledging centuries, if not several millennia, of ancient wisdom here.
In many places right now, especially in the northern hemisphere (and reverses for the southern hemisphere) it gets cold and dreary and darker. The further north you go, the most drastic this environment becomes. Sure, there is climate change, I will never argue that fact, but cold climates still get cooler during winter. At least, for now. And there is no denying that the days are shorter, with the nights longer. Many of us are shuttered indoors for months at a time, and others are forced to brave the cold to commute to work during those short daylight hours. And then often come home after the sun has already set, already quite exhausted with little energy for anything beyond dinner and vegetating on the couch before bed!
I used to be one of them. I see friends and family and so many others still locked in that cycle. Granted, in most cases, its for survival. I won’t knock what anyone has to do so keep afloat and support themselves financially (as long as no one is harmed in the process) but our collective mindset can certainly use a paradigm shift.
The season of Winter itself can offer profound lessons in the art of “wintering” – a concept rooted in slowing down, becoming more introspective, and embracing the natural rhythms of life. Not the ones imposed on us by artificial deadlines and manufactured workplace drama, or corporate greed and complete disregard for the wellbeing of employees. In this fast-paced world, where productivity is often prioritized over rest (or even just living beyond work), understanding the importance of slowing down during winter can significantly benefit health and wellbeing.
What is ‘Wintering’?
Wintering is more than just enduring the colder months through grit and cold, hard determination; it’s about embracing the unique gifts this season offers. Just as nature undergoes a period of dormancy and renewal, we too can use Winter as a time for reflection, prioritizing more mental and physical rest, and deeper self-care. It’s a season to turn inward, to nurture ourselves, and to reconnect with what truly matters before we turn towards new creative or household projects, new years goals that often go unfulfilled because we never took the time to truly rest before jumping head first into a whole new year.
In a society that grossly glorifies busyness, taking the time to slow down during Winter may seem counterintuitive, sometimes even impossible. However, there is research (from institutions like Harvard to the top universities in Scandinavia) that shows embracing a slower pace can have profound effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Of course, the mention of Scandinavia should pique some interest, or sound familiar to those who are aware of the concept of “hygge” that has gained some popularity in recent years.
The heart of wintering is encapsulated in the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) – a feeling of coziness, contentment, and wellbeing. Hygge encourages us to create inviting, nurturing spaces where we can retreat from the cold and embrace the simple pleasures and joys of life, whether it’s curling up with a good book, sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, a long lunch break with colleagues in a toasty cafe, or enjoying a leisurely walk in the snow bundled in warm layers. Its the little tweaks and small habits that can make a world of difference in terms of staving of burnout, anxiety, depression, and other stressors than often get worse during Winter months.
The Pillars of Wintering
Rest & Restoration: Winter provides an opportunity for our bodies to slow down and recover from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially the return to school in the autumn and the holiday season that brings in the Winter months. By allowing ourselves to have more pauses, we give our nervous systems a chance to unwind, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation.
Immune Support: The cold Winter months often bring an increase in sickness — typically stomach bugs, colds and flu (and now more rounds of covid). Slowing down allows us to prioritize self-care, such as getting adequate sleep, eating hearty and warm nourishing foods, and staying hydrated, which can bolster our immune systems and help us stay healthy throughout the season.
Mental Clarity: With fewer distractions and obligations in deeper Winter months, this time can offer a conducive environment for deep introspection and self-reflection. Slowing down allows us to quiet the noise of the outside world and listen to the whispers of our inner voice, leading to greater clarity and insight. This is required to make better life decisions in terms of saving or spending, relationships, managing work, and education.
Connection & Community: Winter invites us to gather with loved ones, sharing warmth, stories, and hopefully laughter. By prioritizing quality time with friends and family, we strengthen our social bonds and cultivate a sense of belonging and connection. If that’s hard to do with people in our spaces, we can also look for online communities with mutual interests like hobbies, career fields, health and fitness goals, etc.
On top of that, I have a few key tips and little nuggets to add to those pillars. All of which I am incorporating now or have practiced for a long time as someone who was born and raised in the chilly northeast region.
Wintering Rituals
1. Mindful Movement: Engage in movement practices such as yoga, tai chi, pilates or strength training — or nature walks to stay connected with your body. I don’t actually recommend in intensity workouts unless someone is in top physical and mental condition already, as that spike in cortisol can worse potential burnout in those who already have struggles or issues in terms of physical and mental health or nervous system regulation.
2. Nourishing Rituals: Create rituals that truly nourish your body, mind, and soul. Whether it’s brewing a pot of herbal tea, journaling by candlelight, or taking a soothing bath. There are plenty of self-care rituals and routines circulating all over the internet, but I suggest staying away from long lists with unrealistic activities or complicated routines. Chose four or five things to engage in daily or weekly that really resonate for you. Does it feel in alignment with your personality, life goals, energy levels, introversion or extroversion levels, or personal needs?
3. Cultivating Gratitude & Grace: Someone out there is always mentioning to take some time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, and there is research in the field of Psychology about cultivating an attitude of gratitude and how that can uplift our spirits and shift our perspective. Especially in time when it’s hard to see the silver lining or when it’s been dreary for months on end with no little buds in sight. If thinking about gratitude is hard: keep a grace journal. Nothing to do with religion; it’s more a practice of recognizing that we are human beings and sometimes just need to grant ourselves a hefty dose of GRACE when we struggle. Where in your life do you feel like you could extend yourself some grace and compassion?
4. Embracing Stillness: Set aside moments of quiet contemplation to simply be, allowing thoughts and emotions to arise without judgment or resistance. This might a ritual that’s a tad easier for the fellow introverts. I know, we introverts truly appreciate the moment of peace and quiet. It’s both a mental and auric palette cleanse for those of us that are more sensitive to sensory input or the energy of others. In moments that may be had to find: earplugs or noise cancelling headphones with soft music or an AMSR ambience can still be helpful. When all else fails: find a cozy closet to nest in! (I literally did this in my childhood)
5. Creative Expression: Engage in creative pursuits that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it’s painting, writing, or playing music, allowing your creativity to flourish during the winter months. It goes without saying, creative expression is paramount to the human soul.
I know in a culture that demands we are always turned on and plugged in, often valuing productivity and achievement above all else, slowing down can feel like going against the grain. However, I also know that wintering reminds us of the importance of stepping back and finding our own rhythms, listening to our bodies, and honoring the natural cycles of life. By embracing the art of wintering, we can nurture our health and wellbeing, cultivate deeper connections with ourselves and others, and find beauty and joy in the quiet moments of the season. As the natural world becomes dormant and blankets of snow cover the earth, let us embrace the invitation of Winter – to rest, reflect, and replenish – knowing that within the stillness lies the seeds of growth and renewal.