Why Winter Calls for Rest and Reflection

Exploring the power of slowing down, seasonal living, and finding moments of joy in the darkest months.

As we come to the end of January, I feel there is a collective sigh of relief – we made it. It’s well known to be a tough time of year, with the cold, grey weather in the UK really not helping matters. Following the excitement and excess of Christmas, many of us feel the weight of significant financial strain.

January also carries the lingering physical, psychological, and emotional toll of the festive season. For women especially, the burden can feel immense. Often, we’re the ones tasked with creating the magic of Christmas—managing the meals, the gifts, the plans—on top of the already heavy mental load of everyday life. Add in the upheaval to routines, and it’s no wonder this time of year can feel so overwhelming. If you’re a parent, the demands only multiply, with endless things to remember: advent calendars, school events, nativity plays, and, of course, the tidal wave of big emotions from children—from uncontainable excitement to overstimulation and exhaustion.

Then there’s the aftermath—sorting through the mess that Christmas leaves behind. The influx of new things in the form of gifts often disrupts the delicate balance of our homes, and suddenly, it feels like toys, clothes, and other bits have taken over every available surface. The mental load doesn’t end with the festivities; it simply shifts.

This time of year also reminds me of the importance of living seasonally. Our bodies are still deeply connected to the rhythms of nature, even if modern life often pulls us away from these cycles. With shorter days and long, dark nights, our bodies crave more rest. But instead of listening to these cues, many of us push ourselves to keep going at full speed, ignoring what we truly need.

This is where the concept of “wintering” resonates so deeply. Katherine May’s book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, beautifully explores the idea that just as nature rests in winter, so should we. Wintering is about recognising those inevitable periods in life when we feel the need to slow down, reflect, and restore ourselves. These seasons of retreat aren’t signs of failure but opportunities for growth and renewal. May reminds us that rest is not only restorative but essential, and that learning to honour these cycles can bring profound benefits.

For many, the challenges of winter are compounded by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects about 2 million people in the UK. This serious condition, tied to the lack of sunlight, leads to symptoms like low mood, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. While we can experience symptoms of SAD on a spectrum and although I am on the lower end of this scale, I’ve noticed how much worse I feel if I don’t manage to spend time outdoors—especially in the morning, which helps regulate my circadian rhythm—or if I forget to take my vitamin D. These small, mindful habits make a real difference.

Despite all the challenges, there are moments of joy and connection that remind us why winter has its own kind of magic. For me, my husband’s January birthday is a highlight. It gives us something lovely to look forward to and is the perfect excuse to gather with loved ones. This year, as we celebrated, I was struck by how lucky I felt to be surrounded by dear friends who had travelled to be there. In the midst of winter’s difficulties, it was a reminder of what truly sustains us: connection, love, and those moments that make everything feel a little brighter.

So, as we move into February, I invite you to reflect on how you’re wintering this year. Can you give yourself permission to slow down? To embrace rest and retreat without guilt? To honour what your body and mind truly need in this season? Remember, wintering isn’t about giving up; it’s about gathering strength for the seasons ahead.