Winter can be a challenging season – research shows that the decrease in daylight goes hand in hand with lower energy levels, a decrease in serotonin production (a neurotransmitter responsible for our mood), and even slower blood circulation. This can impact our health, wellbeing, and performance in a profound way.

Society often pushes us to go full-speed ahead as soon as January hits, in the form of New Year’s resolutions, new plans and projects. Very often, the assumption is that people had a good period of rest over the holidays and should now be ready to jump right back into working, being productive, and achieving.

However, the reality looks very different. For many people, the holidays are the most stressful and tiresome weeks of the year. Paired with the natural changes that occur to us as humans due to the lack of daylight, this means that most people are simply exhausted when the New Year starts.

It’s important not to give in to this societal pressure and instead look to nature for inspiration on what winter is really all about.

Winter is the season of conservation. Everything slows down, there is a focus on turning inwards, on reflection, on rest. Nature is gathering strength for spring and summer. In winter, we should not push ourselves, and instead prioritize wellbeing and selfcare, as we otherwise run the risk of burning out quickly in the New Year.

If you’ve been feeling the need for rest, for a slower pace, then know that this is absolutely normal and in tune with nature. Trust that feeling and give yourself permission to focus on gathering strength in the coming weeks.

Tips for rest, recovery, and reflection in winter:

🌿 Small moments & rituals (quiet cup of tea, bath)

🌿 Journalling

🌿 Light therapy (daylight lamps, getting sunlight outside)

🌿 Wellbeing practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, breathwork

🌿 A healthy and balanced diet

🌿 Enough sleep

🌿 Community & friendships

🌿 Moving regularly (ideally outside, to get fresh air)

🌿 Time in nature