Seasonal Living - My Guide to Surviving the Season - Winter
“I could hibernate in the winter”
I have said that every year for as long as I can remember!
It started out as an almost flippant remark, but, over the years, I noticed that, I really did struggle in the winter time.
My energy levels would drop, my desire to exercise decreased, my diet changed, sometimes my mood could be affected and also my motivation. I definitely felt like staying in more, especially once it gets dark - that makes for really short days when the sun rises later and sets earlier.
As you may know, I have been on quite the personal journey over the past 9 years or so.
What I have come to realise is that, the journey doesn’t end, my personal growth continues and, as time passes, I am learning more about myself and the world around me.
I am questioning things more - I definitely believe that questions are the answers.
Asking questions has really helped me to identify some areas where I have a deep desire to make changes, without even realising it at first.
More about that in a later blog.
For now, though, back to winter, brrr!
I am more aware of my own body than I have ever been before and, unlike in previous times, I pay attention to it.
So, after noticing those changes that I described at the beginning of this piece, I started to ask why that is? Why don’t I feel like that at other times of the year?
The answer is quite straightforward, and, makes sense, when you think about it.
Everything in our universe is cyclical - the moon, the seasons, the tides, the sun, when plants grow as well as, for women, the menstrual cycle.
We have seasons due to the earth rotating around the sun.
Let’s think about cycles in nature for a moment…
Animals change their behaviours and, in some cases, even migrate due to the changes of the season.
Plants go to ground, seemingly dead, in the winter, but some are actually preserving energy, ready for spring to come.
Yet, as humans, we don’t make adjustments at all.
We still work at the same pace all year round, without taking time out to rest and to conserve energy.
When you think about it like that, there is no wonder that we often feel burnt out.
I have often tried to push on when my body is saying to rest. Eventually, something has to give and, I have definitely experienced that, too.
And so, in the midst of winter here in the UK, I am following the guidance from nature.
Using this time to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Staying connected, to myself and others.
Strengthening my morning routine by starting the day with gratitude and journaling.
Meditating
Being grounded
Recharging my batteries for Spring
Considering the things that I want to achieve this year, always making sure that these, and the actions I take, are aligned with my values
There are some other things that you can try, too…
Get outside in nature as often as you can - practice mindfulness - what can you see? Smell? Hear? Touch? Taste?
Sit near a window during daylight hours
Eat seasonal fruit and vegetables
Take time out to rest after work,
Wake up and go to bed in line with the sun - that will give you approx 1-2 hours extra sleep in the winter time compared to the summer, which is perfect for that added rest that we need during this season.
Use this time when the world feels slower, to reconnect with yourself. Tune into what feels good. Think about how you want to feel this year, is there anything that you want to achieve?
This is the perfect time to be setting goals and planning, ready to take action in the Springtime.
I no longer dread the winter coming, instead I embrace it.
I take comfort in the cosy days, eating comforting meals and taking the time to rest and recharge.
Seasonal living is still quite a new thing for me, but, I have to say that, already, I can feel the benefit of it.
I will be sharing more about this and my own personal journey in future blogs.
I hope that you have enjoyed this and have found it insightful.
I would love to hear your thoughts
Thanks for reading
Anne-Marie
