We’re in the midst of winter now. With darker evenings and longer nights, it’s no accident that we tend to feel more sleepy and unmotivated during this time of year. Although it might seem counterintuitive to slow down immediately after ringing in the new year and setting goals, what if these cold winter months are actually our chance to begin our year mindfully?
Instead of resisting your tiredness during the darker months, let’s follow the rhythm of the season and make more space for peace and nourishment. Let’s embrace winter as an opportunity to give our bodies the rest we need. Following that midwinter spirit of slowing down, here are a handful of ideas to create space for rest.
Create a reading nook. Somewhere in your room, preferably next to a window, make a space in your room for reading and reflection. Rearrange your bookshelves and a cozy chair (moving furniture around brings so much fresh energy to a space). Surround your nook with soft light: warm lamplight, twinkling fairy lights, scented candles.
Simplify your calendar. Keep a lighter schedule, and never agree to do more than you can reasonably handle. Try to free up your evenings and do most of your studying or creative work in the mornings, when you’re well rested and awake.
Find exciting books to read. Winter is the perfect time to get a jumpstart on your new year reading goals. Usually by the time I get home from work in the afternoons, I am so tired that all I want is to curl up with a good book and lose myself for a few hours.
Make a hot drink station. Whether you live at home or in a dorm or on your own, make a little corner of the kitchen counter for your hot chocolate, chai, or tea to be in one place. Empty packets into labelled jars. Set your two or three favorite teas out on display. Stock up with anything else—an electric tea kettle, honey, a saucer for cream, your favorite mugs—that you need when you want a cup of something hot.
Eat warmer foods. As the seasons turn colder, begin to make savory dishes and hot soups. You don’t need to sacrifice health for comfort; you can find plenty of options in a morning mug of oatmeal, roasted veggies, a steaming stir fry, or a hearty stew made in the crock pot while you’re out on an afternoon walk.
Movie nights. Once or twice a week, set aside the space of an evening to enjoy a movie or tv show. Dress in your comfiest pajamas, pull on a pair of fuzzy socks, and grab a comforting blanket. Make a mug of hot chocolate and pop out the popcorn. If you need some ideas for cozy winter movies to watch, here’s a great list I put together last year.
Get plenty of sleep. The trick to falling asleep early is to get your body in a “going to bed” routine. You can start with a hot shower or a bath, maybe with a few drops of essential oils. Do some stretches before you crawl in bed. Read, or journal, for an hour until your eyes are tired and you’re ready to fall asleep.
Wishing you all a cozy and comforting month ahead,
<3 Olivia Grace
