Wintering: Embracing the Season of Rest

Golden sunlight illuminates the snowy landscape, casting reflections of bare winter trees on the icy surface of the lake.

This past holiday season, I stumbled upon Katherine May's 'Wintering,' and it resonated with me deeply. As someone who often struggles with a noticeable dip in energy and an increased need for sleep during the darker winter months, the book's exploration of embracing this natural cycle of dormancy felt like a revelation

May's concept of wintering speaks to embracing periods of dormancy and retreat, much like the natural world does in winter. It's a powerful reminder that periods of rest and reflection are not just necessary but essential for our well-being.

What is Wintering?

Wintering isn't just about the physical season. It's about those times when we feel stuck, lost, or depleted. It's a time for inward reflection, slowing down, and allowing ourselves to simply be. It's about accepting that sometimes, growth doesn't look like constant productivity and forward motion.

Our hyper-connected society prioritizes productivity and constant motion, making slowing down feel counterintuitive and even unproductive. Furthermore, societal pressures often equate busyness with success, making it difficult to embrace periods of rest and stillness without feeling guilty or inadequate. However, being able to sit with the feelings that come up with this slowing down is the first part of the process.

How Wintering Can Help Your Mental Health:

• Reduced Stress: By slowing down and disconnecting from the demands of daily life, you can significantly reduce stress levels.

• Increased Self-Awareness: Wintering provides an opportunity for introspection. You can gain valuable insights into your values, priorities, and what truly matters to you.

• Improved Creativity: When you're not constantly striving for productivity, your mind has space to wander and make unexpected connections. This can spark creativity and new ideas.

• Enhanced Resilience: By acknowledging and accepting difficult periods, you build resilience. You learn to navigate challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

Tips for Embracing Your Own Wintering:

• Prioritize Rest: Make sleep a priority, and incorporate regular relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

• Disconnect: Limit screen time and social media usage. Spend time in nature, read books, or engage in hobbies that bring you joy.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment and avoid self-criticism.

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" to commitments that drain your energy.

• Connect with Counsellor: If the feelings that arise from slowing down feel overwhelming and you are unsure how to cope, connect with a professional to learn how to understand what your discomfort is showing you and how to manage it.

Wintering is not a period of stagnation, but rather a necessary season for renewal and growth. By embracing these periods of rest and reflection, you can cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and overall well-being.