What if the Winter Season was Actually Meant for Slowing Down?

Do you ever feel like your body and mind can’t keep up with each other this time of year?! Like your mind feels the need to do “all the things” before the year ends, say yes to all the holiday events and parties, shop all the deals, and get every last thing in so you can say “I accomplished ________” before you ring in the new year, yet your body just can’t seem to catch up. You’re actually more tired, maybe catch a cold….or two, and oh yeah, that just makes you feel more frustrated since you can’t get done what you “need” to. 

What if the shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the cultural expectation of constant activity was actually directly competing with our mind and body’s internal rhythm? And what if instead, we leaned into the slower pace we are intended for time of year?

If we use these days to intentionally slow down and align with our natural cycles, we can create space for meaningful and fulfilling emotional and physical health benefits. 

Here are some of the benefits of using this season in a way that will be more rewarding, gratifying, and even enjoyable, instead of waiting for all of the holiday events to pass, your calendar to be less busy, or counting down the days to see the first signs of Spring. 

1. Slowing down reduces stress and prevents burnout. Winter can be a powerful time to let your mind “exhale.” A slower pace can help reduce cortisol levels (“the stress hormone”), improve mental clarity and focus, reduce brain fog, and allow for better decision making. 

2. Rest supports nervous system regulation. When you rest, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you restore and heal. 

3. Slowing down can help you reflect on your past year intentionally. Use this time to consider what worked, what didn’t, and what you want next year to look like. When you engage in reflection, you allow for increased self-awareness, emotional processing and releasing what no longer serves you. This is a time to thoughtfully prepare for change instead of expecting yourself to change without any preparation come January. 

4. Embracing slowness strengthens boundaries. The season of overcommitment. Enough said. Hence the importance of healthy boundaries in using the power of “no.” Setting boundaries allows for more meaningful connections in the quality vs quantity of your social interactions, better time management, and respecting YOU.  

5. In slowing down, you might just notice how much more creative and emotionally clear you become. When you allow for creative and emotional clarity rather than clutter, you might rediscover passions, feel and process your emotions more fully, and experience greater intuition. 

6. Strengthen your immune system. This is a time your body craves the ability to rebuild & we know what happens when you force it to do the opposite. When you rest, your sleep, energy, mood, and immune functioning can optimize more efficiently!!

Ok, so you’re probably wondering… well this all sounds great, but how do I do it? First off, let’s remember to start small and be intentional as change happens when we set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, & Time Sensitive) goals. Here are some ways you might think about starting:

• Reduce social commitments that feel obligatory. Practice saying “no” to a few that you’re not thrilled about. 

• Schedule technology-free evenings. Set time limits or reminders to shut off and put away technology for some quiet and less blue light. 

• Build restorative pauses into your day. Use reminders to be intentional. During these pauses, choose to just be, practice deep breathing, or put on some calming music. If your mind wanders, let it and gently bring it back to what’s around you. What do you see, hear, taste, smell and feel in this moment?

• Implement slow hobbies, such as reading, journaling, crafting, or puzzles. 

• Create cozy, evening wind-down routines and slow mornings when possible. At nighttime, set some calming rituals like turning on soft lighting, taking a warm bath, lighting a candle or diffusing essential oils. Eat warm and nourishing meals. 

• Give yourself permission to rest and not feel guilty. Take the pressure off, this is intentional and purposeful. 

If we allow ourselves the opportunity to follow the internal rhythm of our minds and bodies during this season, it can become a powerful force for healing and restoration. It’s not being weak or stagnant, but restoring and renewing.  

Instead of waiting for the new year to start therapy, how could this season of rest and restoring be an opportune time? Let’s schedule your complimentary consultation to start today!