Wintering Well: Wisdom for Optimal Well-Being

Written by Emma Dasco

Just as the seasons change, so do our bodies and minds. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of this transition for our health and wellbeing, drawing insights from the patterns of nature and the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda. In the transition from Autumn to Winter,  the natural world is withdrawing and embracing a season of  dormancy. The winter season offers the perfect remedy for the fast-paced qualities of summer and fall. There is a subtle invitation to redirect our own energies. This is a time to rest, reflect, hold space, and draw your focus back inward. 

On the contrary, the calm nature of the winter can also seem a bit oppressive at times and can leave you feeling weighed down, stagnant, or uninspired. Depending on your unique inner constitution, your sense of well-being will either feel elevated or hindered by this season shift. Ayurveda teaches us that opposites balance. So, it’s key to listen to your inner workings to determine which qualities are in need of balance. 

Let’s take a look at nature. In the winter, hens in colder climates stop laying eggs (or as many as they lay in the warmer months). This is because their bodies intuitively know to slow down and rest through the winter. While there are tricks to keep hens laying eggs through the winter, it can be detrimental to their health and lifespan to lay eggs year round. Flowers don’t bloom year round, trees don’t have leaves year round, and bears hibernate in the winter. As humans, we are no different. It’s vital for our holistic well-being to honor a season of rest to avoid burnout and to have seasons of productivity. For now, lean into a season of rest instead of fighting it. So that you have the energy to create and grow in a season where your body is designed for a faster pace.

6 Tips for an Easeful Transition Into Winter

• Favor eating more soups and warm broths.

• Dim lighting after sunset to regulate circadian rhythms.

• Trade summer tropical fruits for fall produce.

• Prioritize sunshine to increase vitamin D stores.

• Invite warmth into your mind, body, and relationships, and create frequent opportunities for fun and laughter. Try to avoid rushing. Instead, make a concerted effort to embrace a slower, more relaxed pace through the winter months.

• Shake off any sluggishness with some morning exercise or yoga.

PHOTO: JEN P. ON UNSPLASH