We’ve been reading the book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May. Which has us reframing the way we think about winter. By winter, Katherine May means not just the cold season, but “a fallow period in life when you’re cut off from the world, feeling rejected, sidelined, blocked from progress, or cast into the role of an outsider.”
This time of year is not short of ill feelings for many people. Some may be feeling like they are in a fallow period—feeling isolated, rejected, or stuck. Whereas others may feel like there’s not much to look forward to since wrapping up the holidays and returning to normal life. Of course, some people quite literally are enduring winter weather in colder climates and may feel empty with this season. Regardless, fallow feelings are common this time of year—maybe even more so as we head into another year of uncertainty surrounding Covid-19.
These blue feelings are also known as the “winter blues”—which is a general term, not a medical diagnosis. However, the winter blues are a common feeling and often more mild than serious, usually clearing up on its own quickly.
As we reflect on Katherine May’s definition of wintering, should we still refer to this as the “winter blues”, or is it more so a time for our bodies to get rest?
Winter can be a time to heal, and sometimes healing looks like rest. So, use this winter to focus on rest and retreat, embracing it like a warm hug.
Here are eight ideas you can use this winter season to rest, reset, and stave off the winter blues.