Solstice Slow Down
Raise your hand if you love winter. …(Bueller?) Thought so. It most people’s least favorite time of year. But after you read this, my hope is that you feel a little differently. Winter self-care routines are uniquely essential during this season because we have unique needs.
In this season we take a cue from nature. The life force around us retreats inward and is in rest and reflect mode. Though our modern lives dictate otherwise, if we listen to our innermost wisdom, it’s telling us to do the same. Have you ever gotten home from work and it’s only 5:30 but since it’s dark you find yourself sluggishly heating up a bowl of soup, cuddling up on the couch and going to bed at 9 o’clock? You’re not lazy! It’s you body’s way of saying “slow the eff down sister!” (Ok you’re inner wisdom might be a little gentler than that.)
Regardless, you know that feeling that comes on as “meh” and ends with “God, I’m just so drained!” I’ve long resisted these feelings, and even judged myself for them. However, I’ve come to realize it’s not a bad thing to have an inner guidance system that’s trying to tell me the best way to treat myself. Instead of fighting these urges we can learn to flow with the season, and reap all of it’s benefits.
How do we do this?
First let’s notice what’s going on in nature and why. The earth strips herself of excess. She releases what has lived out it’s purpose and reverts back to the basics. She is raw, exposed, and unwelcoming, almost as if to say “leave me alone!” She’s quite literally chilling out. After a yearly cycle of new life in the spring, vibrance in the summer, and abundance in the fall she’s taking a much needed vacation. We also live out our lives in cycles; daily, monthly, yearly, and lifetime. We ebb and flow from outward energy, to inward retreating. It’s the nature of the universe. Without allowing ourselves to flow through these cycles we become unwell and out of balance.
So we look to mother nature and imitate her. Something in us deeply desires to slow down, be still, and reflect upon the past year. We need this in order to flourish when spring comes again.
Designing a self-care routine is essential in maintaining a happy and healthy life. But, self-care that reflects the energy of each season, well now you’re a self-care over achiever! Implementing this winter self-care ritual into your daily or weekly routine will greatly impact the way you move through this season, which can often be difficult to embrace.
Tips for Winter Self Care
Your body needs so much extra love and attention this time of year. Our bodies are more susceptible to illness, fatigue, and stress. Yes, it’s a harsh season, but by doing this self care you can glide through winter effortlessly.
Winter Movement
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that in the cooler months our bodies need to move to build up heat. While it may be the hardest time of year to move your body, it may be the most essential. Because we can get a bit stagnant, our bodies can feel heavy and tired, and heat building movement is the antidote.
On the flip side we can often get run down and stressed (especially during the holidays) which is when a slow, grounding Yin Yoga practice will be essential to your overall wellness.
Seasonal Food
It seems innate that in the colder months we crave warmer foods. I think we all get that; but let’s take it a step further. Winter can be characterized as dry and windy, which may lead us to need more moist and grounding foods like heavy stews and roasted root vegetables. The food we eat this time of year can greatly enhance our ability to adapt to the harsher climate. Not to mention, strengthen our immune system to fight off whatever is going around (and something is always going around!)
While many places this time of year don’t have fresh produce (I really do miss the farmsteads right now) there are still many foods that are aligned with the comfy and warm feelings of the winter. This is the time of year to up your intake of healthy fats, dark leafy greens, and roasted root vegetables.
Reflection
This time of year, as nature does, we too turn inward and prepare for the coming spring by resting and reflecting. When you pay more attention to your inner thoughts and desires, you begin to open up to the abundant possibilities, and are capable of creating the life of your dreams. The key is getting quiet enough that you can hear what that little voice of wisdom is saying to you. As the the New Year brings with it a renewed sense of “clean slate-ness”, we are given the opportunity to up our game, better our habits, manifest our desires, and act on our dreams.
I urge you to make a regular practice during the winter months of journaling. You can write about feelings that come up for you and explore what unknown triggers bring you into a dark place. This is a safe time to explore the darker sides of yourself. If something in your life has made you sad, angry, or disappointed it is safe to explore and experience those feelings now. Winter is naturally a dark time, so do’t feel guilty if you experience your own mental winter at times
Rest & Restore
Do you often feel like you’re beginning to come down with something, but after you chill for a bit or take a nap you feel better. Maybe you weren’t sick after all but just needed a break. Without listening to our bodies when we need to recharge, we set ourselves up for illness, stress, and exhaustion. This time of year our bodies naturally need more time to rest. There’s less sunlight and less energy in the air. Give yourself to take it easier this season.
I hope you are able to take some time for yourself this winter. If you would like to get more tips for winter self-care including seasonal recipes, a winter yin yoga sequence, and an at home retreat for winter be sure to subscribe below and I will send over my free guide to winter self-care.
xo,
