Wintering: How to Embrace the Slower Season for Healing and Wellness
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it’s easy to feel the pull to stay busy and power through the season. But winter, with its quiet stillness, actually invites us to pause, rest, and restore. The practice of wintering is about embracing the season’s natural rhythm and allowing ourselves the space to reflect, heal, and nourish our bodies and minds.
What Is Wintering?
Wintering is not about “surviving” winter—it’s about thriving during it. Just as animals hibernate and plants rest during the colder months, we, too, can benefit from slowing down and embracing the season’s natural invitation to rest, reflect, and reset.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often feel pressure to keep up with our usual routines, even when the energy of the season calls for a slower pace. Wintering offers a chance to step back, nourish ourselves, and prepare for the growth and renewal that comes with the new year.
Why Wintering Is Important for Your Well-Being
Winter is a time of stillness, reflection, and inward energy. Here’s why embracing the practice of wintering is so important:
Rest and Restoration: Winter offers a natural pause for rest. When we give ourselves permission to rest, we replenish our energy reserves, reduce stress, and give our bodies the chance to heal. This allows us to start the new year feeling more refreshed, rather than burnt out from overexertion.
Mental Clarity and Reflection: Winter provides an opportunity to reflect on the past year—what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to focus on in the year ahead. It’s a time to get clear on your goals, intentions, and priorities. This clarity helps you align your actions with your values and creates a sense of peace moving forward.
Physical Health: Winter is also a time when our bodies need a little extra care. With colder weather and less sunlight, it’s easier to feel sluggish or run down. The practice of wintering allows us to pay attention to our physical needs, focus on nourishment, and prioritize activities that support our immune systems, like getting enough sleep and enjoying nutrient-dense foods.
Nourishing the Soul: Winter can also be a deeply spiritual time—a time to tune in, practice gratitude, and set intentions for the year ahead. The quiet of the season can allow us to reconnect with ourselves and cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace.
How to Embrace Wintering This December
Here are some practical ways to embrace wintering and honor your body, mind, and spirit this December:
1. Slow Down and Rest
The holidays can be a busy time, but it’s crucial to listen to your body and allow yourself moments of rest. Give yourself permission to say no to extra commitments and prioritize downtime. This might look like:
Taking long walks in nature, breathing in the crisp winter air
Curling up with a good book or a warm cup of tea
Napping or simply lounging without feeling guilty
Rest is one of the most rejuvenating things you can do for yourself, especially when winter is a time for your body to restore its energy.
2. Nourish with Seasonal Foods
The foods that are in season during winter—root vegetables, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and warming spices—are nourishing for both the body and soul. These foods not only support your immune system but also offer warmth and comfort during the colder months. Try adding:
Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips for grounding energy
Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits for a vitamin C boost
Warm soups and stews to nourish your body and keep you cozy
Make sure to stay hydrated, too. Herbal teas, broths, and warm lemon water can be soothing and keep your body in balance.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
Wintering is about embracing self-care practices that restore and replenish. This can include:
Mindful relaxation practices like meditation or yoga to center your mind
Gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or light yoga to keep your body moving without overexertion
Cold-weather skincare to protect your skin from the elements and keep it hydrated
Taking long, restorative baths to relax your muscles and calm your mind
Whatever helps you unwind and feel grounded, make space for it this season.
4. Reflect and Set Intentions
Winter is a time for reflection. Take some time to journal, meditate, or simply think about the past year. What did you learn? What were your biggest achievements? What challenges did you face, and what lessons can you carry into the new year?
This is also a great time to set intentions for the year ahead. Rather than focusing on resolutions, try setting a few key goals or values you’d like to focus on. This could be anything from improving your physical health, to cultivating more mindfulness, to making time for more self-care.
5. Stay Connected with Loved Ones
While wintering is about slowing down, it’s also a time to nurture relationships that bring you joy. The holidays are an excellent time to reconnect with loved ones, whether it’s through cozy gatherings or quiet conversations. Balance your solitude with meaningful connections to create warmth and happiness in your life.
Embrace the Quiet of Winter
As the year winds down, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up with everything. But the season of winter is here to remind us that rest, reflection, and slowing down are just as important for our well-being. Wintering allows us to honor the rhythm of the season, take care of ourselves, and step into the new year with clarity and intention.
This December, instead of pushing through, embrace the natural quiet of winter. Rest, nourish your body, reflect, and take time for yourself. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.