For most of us, winter often causes mixed emotions. The days feel shorter, energy and mood levels can be lower, and colder months may feel isolating. The post-holiday season often leaves us feeling depleted and ready for spring, and the cold months can make it difficult to feel motivated. Instead of feeling like you need to try and force change, allow the winter season to be more about being able to meet your body where it is, and allow for more intentional rest. When we are able to honor resting instead of trying to speed up the winter months, we invite in the ability to slow down, self-regulate, and create nourishing routines that will sustain us throughout the winter season.
Slowing Down with the Seasons
In nature, winter is a season of rest. Animals hibernate and trees shed their leaves, as the earth rests in preparation for the renewal that spring season will bring. Similarly to nature, we are being asked to slow down and take rest, though this can be challenging when we live in a society that heavily focuses on productivity.
Restoration practices allow us to align with the rhythm of the winter season, giving us permission to rest in preparation for spring season—the time of growth and awakening, as well as creating new ways to support for ourselves that are less productivity-based, and more focused on support and nourishment.
What are Restorative Practices?
A restorative practice is any practice that is gentle, supportive, and grounding, reinforcing the idea of rest and slowing down to nurture and take care of ourselves. These practices are not about self-improvement or tied to “productivity,” but rather holding space to allow ourselves to “be”instead of “do.”
Restorative practices can be especially supportive during the winter season, as they help to reinforce nervous system regulation, create a stronger sense of grounding and presence, and focus on compassion versus productivity, performance, and self-criticism. When we don’t allow ourselves to rest, we may experience high levels of burnout, an overall disconnection from our bodies, and emotional depletion. Intentional incorporation of restorative practices can help us to create routines centered around rest and aligning with the season of winter and all its wisdom.
Restoration Practices to Explore in Winter Season
Explore routines that are less rigid and more centered around safety and stability. Breath work, guided meditation, and gentle stretching can provide a sense of grounding and presence without force, as well as provide support to your nervous system.
Tip: Identify a time of day, either before bed or in the morning, to incorporate an intentional grounding practice. Notice your tendency to be “rigid” about routines, or placing expectations on yourself about routines you might want to incorporate. Explore opportunities to invite in self-compassion.
Honor changes or shifts in energy levels and mood without shame. In the colder months, you may notice a shift in energy levels. Try to invite in a curious and compassionate lens, versus one that is self-critical. Ask yourself what you might need in order to honor rest on low-energy days.
Tip: Start by giving yourself permission to rest! So often we try to force or push ourselves, which reinforces productivity versus meeting ourselves where we are at. Activities such as reading, journaling, or curling up and watching a comfort show can help create a stronger sense of ease and restoration.
Embrace slowness. Fast movement and constant stimulation can overwhelm our bodies and keepour nervous systems “stuck” in a state of activation. Slowing down and allowing ourselves the time to regulate, or just “be,” can be helpful to reinforce nervous system flexibility.
Tip: Allow time and space to move slower. Practices such as Restorative Yoga or slow, mindful walking, can help create more intention around slowing down and just “being.” Notice any feelings that come up when you allow your body to move slower.
Connect to your emotions. Winter can often bring feelings of loneliness or isolation, creating a sense of disconnection from others. Create practices that allow you to cultivate a sense of connection and warmth during winter months.
Tip: Connect with a safe person regularly. This could look like a phone call, a text message, or inviting someone to slow down with you in an intentional way, such as doing a yoga class or breath work practice together. Identify spaces that create warmth: lighting candles, wrapping up in blankets, and eating warm foods can help to support and nourish you in winter months.
Shifting from “Doing” to “Being”
Winter season calls for us to be present with ourselves through gentle awareness, intentional rest, and self-compassion. When we allow the body to rest, we invite in our ability to listen to what our bodies need, instead of depleting ourselves. If the colder months feel heavy, know that your body may be craving more rest, care, and understanding. Rest is not “giving up,” but rather giving yourself permission to replenish, restore, and regulate.
When to Seek Support
If you find yourself really struggling with motivation, isolation, loneliness, low mood, or even seasonal depression, reach out to one of our therapists here or contact 734.203.0183 or info@deepwatermichigan.com.
-By Emily Kline, LMSW