Happy New Year!
It’s been nine months since my last post, and wow, what a whirlwind those months have been. My family has been incredibly busy, life has felt like a constant juggling act. But as we approach the new year, things are finally beginning to slow down.
I’ve been actively working to simplify our lives in preparation for the upcoming winter months. This season of rest feels especially important this year, and I’m making it a priority to create space for our family to breathe, relax, and recharge.
The timing couldn’t have been better. We’ve just enjoyed a much-needed two-week Christmas break together, and it’s been everything we needed. Between cozy mornings, movie nights, and a break from the usual hustle and bustle, this downtime has reminded me how important it is to embrace the quiet moments and let ourselves just be.
This realization ties into something I’ve been reflecting on for a while: how winter isn’t just a season for nature to rest—it’s a time for us to rest, too.
Hibernation Season
Every year around New Year’s Day, I feel a pull toward rest rather than resolutions. While I love the “new year, new me” energy that so many thrive on, I’ve learned that January isn’t my season for starting fresh.
In the past, I would set resolutions in January, only to quickly abandon them. The lack of motivation left me feeling discouraged and down on myself. But over time, I’ve come to realize that my body and mind simply need the winter to slow down.
The Science Behind Seasonal Rest
Did you know that our ancestors naturally rested more during the winter months? With shorter days and colder weather, they conserved energy, reduced physical activity, and focused on staying warm and safe. While modern life pushes us to stay productive year-round, our biology still craves that slower pace in winter.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/seasonal-sleeping-why-we-need-more-rest-in-the-winter?
Once I began thinking about it like this, I turned my perspective around. I wasn’t unmotivated or failing and I didn’t have seasonal depression—I was simply fighting against my natural rhythm. Instead of trying to “power through” winter, I’ve started to embrace it as a time for long-term rest and reflection.
This winter, I’m leaning into that slower rhythm by simplifying our lives. With less clutter on our schedules and more room to breathe, I can focus on what truly matters: rest, relaxation, and family.
Here are 3 Ways To Avoid Seasonal Depression And Enjoy The Winter Months:
- Embrace the cozy moments: Curl up with a good book, sip hot cocoa, and binge watch movies.
- Intentional reflection: Look back on the past year and dream about what’s next, without rushing into action. Explore without expectation—like you’re planning a vacation.
- Restoration: Allow yourself the space to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally without guilt. You’re not losing or missing anything. You’re allowing yourself the grace to align with the natural rhythm of the season, setting the foundation for growth and renewal when the time is right for you.
Bonus tip: Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D during the winter. Prioritize taking in sunlight when you can.
By the time spring arrives, and the world begins to bloom, I feel refreshed and ready to embrace my own “new year.” That’s when I find the energy to set goals, start projects, and work toward growth.
Embracing Your Own Rhythm
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to honor your own rhythm, too. Maybe January resolutions work for you—or maybe you, like me, find your energy in the spring. Either way, there’s no “right” way to grow.
For now, I’m choosing to savor this season of rest. The past two weeks of downtime have been a gift, and I’m grateful for the reminder that it’s okay to slow down. Here’s to cozy winters, quiet reflection, and the promise of spring renewal.
