Call me in March; I'm Wintering.
10 Ways Joining Me Will Pay Off in Spring
Whether you listen to the VoiceOver for accessibility, because you’re more of an auditory learner or so you can grab some movement while we’re together—it will consistently be an option.
I’m wintering.
To know me is to know I thrive on sunlight and heat.
Long days energize me.
Warm temps make me feel open and alive.
As a result the ‘fall back’ early darkness and cold(er) temps do the opposite around here: I feel sluggish and as though I am curling up into and around myself (which now all has me thinking I go from happy lizard to sloth-like snail, but I digress…).
If my relationship with winter deserves the "It's complicated" status, my approach to wintering certainly does not.
What wintering actually is.
It’s anything you want it to be!
Wintering is an outgrowth of the natural human tendency to cocoon as a result of with the shorter days.
Some of us thrive on sunlight and warmth.
We detest “falling back” with the fire of 1000 suns.
You know, those suns which are our for far less time each day.
And, since we clearly cannot control the rise and fall of the burning orb, we’ve decided to control what we can and embrace Wintering.
Others of us look forward to shorter, darker days and find ourselves happier with less sunlight and more snuggling. And if we naturally love this season, wintering to us, is second nature.
Wintering, which loosely takes place mid-November to mid-March, is an opportunity to slow down, live intentionally, laser focus on what’s important, and create a sense of urgency and excitement for the upcoming spring.
❄️ 10 ways to join me in wintering:
1. Embrace Self-Care and Rejuvenation:
Wintering offers a chance to prioritize self-care and recharge our physical and mental health. Whether your self-care looks like drilling down on your budget and retirement plan or more resembles spa-days and leisurely strolls—-this is the time to make the time!
2. Mindful Reflection:
Embracing the slower pace of wintering allows for space and time for introspection, self-reflection, and personal growth. Choosing to live at a more leisurely pace allows us to be more present and appreciate the small stuff. It encourages us to create deeper connections with both humans and nature. By eliminating the rush as much as possible we lessen our stress which results in better mental health.
3. Connection with Nature:
Experiencing winter outdoor time deepens our connection to the natural world and its cycles. Sure, research indicates time in nature boosts creativity, improves focus and concentration, and enhances memory. Around here we just know it makes us calm and happy.
4. Adaptability:
Learning to navigate the challenges of choosing to winter (learning to say no, learning to draw boundaries) fosters adaptability which will serve us all. year. long.
5. Cultivating Coziness:
Wintering encourages us to create cozy environments! It is in these blanket forts (ok maybe that’s not your style but you get what I envision) that we are better set up for success in creativity and thriving.
6. Consistent time for Creativity:
The natural quiet of wintering offers an ideal backdrop for exploring creative hobbies and passions.
7. Quality Time:
Wintering offers an opportunity for quality time with ourselves, with loved ones, and with family and friends. As we embrace a season of s l o w n e s s we can more easily choose to foster deeper connections.
8. New Lifestyle Choices:
Wintering encourages us to pause and focus on our well-being. These mindful pauses can lead to new and better choices as we emerge into spring. It offers us time to consider all our habits and be intentional about which to keep. It encourages us to leave behind even those ‘good habits’ that no longer serve us.
9. (which leads me to) Springtime Preparedness:
Wintering and rejuvenating during winter months places us in the perfect position for an energized and productive spring. We learn more about ourselves and what we need to do consistently to maximize our potential and vitality.
10. Creating Consistency:
Engaging in wintering practices is one of the biggest gifts we can give to ourselves. We join the external world in choosing to pause and prepare to experience a rebirth in the spring. And, when it’s time for the days to lengthen and the temps to go back up (yay) we are ready to emerge rested and rejuvenated.
Whether you crave the dark, cozy days or find yourself in a countdown to spring from the moment we “fall back” there are benefits to the reframe of wintering.
These 16 or so weeks serve as the perfect precursor to the rebirth, re-emergence and light of spring and offer unique and consistent contributions to our mindset and well-being.