Being Kind To Yourself In January And February

Nurturing Your Wellbeing in the Winter months is such an important part of your ability to achieve and be resilient throughout the rest of the year.

With all the hype and excitement of Christmas and new year comes the expectation of setting new years goals and leaping back into ‘taking action’.

On the flip side; the chill of winter has settled in and as the twinkly lights of holiday season fades into the past, many of us find ourselves facing the gloomy doldrums of January and February. And berate ourselves when we struggle to find the motivation for ‘getting back into routine’.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. The days may be short, and the nights long. But as the festive atmosphere dissipates, it leaves behind a sense of quiet behind.

Much of thriving in winter is the ability to change your perspective and be mindful of what this season is truly about.

The deep midwinter dark and cold is not for leaping energetically into new projects, it is a time for softness, for cosy candlelight, it’s precisely during this time that practicing self-kindness, resting & slowing down becomes essential.

Remember that rest is just as productive as work & action.

As we leave the New Year behind how are you feeling?

Are you raring to go with a whole list of goals for the next 12 months, or are you hiding under a blanket & waiting for Spring?

Whatever you are feeling this is not the time to be rushing into new projects, but to sit with them a while…

However you’re doing, remember to be kind to yourself at this time of year. The second half of winter usually feels so much longer than the first, and our reserves for dealing with the dark and the cold are pretty depleted by now.

If you struggle to find your balance or not to be miserable during the winter months, here are some ways to improve your mood, change your mindset, and find your balance during the winter months.

10 Ways To Find Your Balance During The Second Half Of Winter

Here are some gentle ways to take a little more care of yourself over the rest of Winter so you can be your best self come Spring.

Embracing the Indoors and Coziness

As the winter months drag on, it's important to create an environment of coziness and comfort. Make your home a cosy sanctuary and space you want to be in. You can use textures, warm lighting, and comforting scents to create a welcoming atmosphere.

This is much like the Danish concept of "hygge" embracing the winter by lighting candles, cultivating soft lighting, and surrounding yourself with warm blankets and comforting activities. Set aside time for quiet reflection, meditation, or simply enjoying a good book.

Nurturing Mindfulness and Gratitude

The winter months can often leave us feeling disconnected and isolated. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude offers a pathway to reconnect with the present moment and appreciate the small joys in life. Consider starting a gratitude journal to jot down the things you are thankful for, no matter how small.

Staying Active and Engaged

The times I feel the best during the winter months are those where I’m getting, at least a few hours of sunshine and daylight if not every day multiple times a week.

While it may be tempting to hibernate during the colder months, staying active and engaged is crucial for maintaining our mental and physical wellbeing. Not to mention essential sunlight and vitamin D. Whether it's a brisk walk in the snow, practicing yoga indoors, or engaging in a new hobby, keeping your body and mind active can combat feelings of lethargy and restlessness.

Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits

The allure of comfort foods during winter is undeniable, but maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential for overall wellbeing. While it isn’t the season for salads or dieting, incorporate nourishing, warming, seasonal foods into your meals and strive for a balanced approach to eating that includes ample fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Feeding Your Soul with Creativity

Winter provides the perfect backdrop for exploring your creative side, nurturing your creativity and hobbies.

Whether it's immersing yourself in arts and crafts, learning a new instrument, or taking up a creative writing project, channeling your energy into creative pursuits can be incredibly fulfilling and enriching.

You can even try creating an indoor garden to bring nature indoors, or experimenting with new winter recipes to add more warming dishes to your meals.

Connecting with Loved Ones

Connection with others is so important for our health as humans (particularly our mental health which can be more prone to suffer through the darkness of winter).

Winter can be a time of heightened introspection and reflection, but it's also an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. Schedule regular virtual meetups, phone calls, or socially distant activities to maintain those vital connections that bring warmth and joy.

Prioritise Self-Care and Rest

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care and rest. In winter it’s so much more important we make time for self-care rituals that replenish your spirit, whether it's a soothing hot bath, a quiet moment to simply allow yourself to take a break without feeling guilty, using nourishing skincare products, or finding comfort in soothing winter teas or beverages.

Winter is the season when we should be sleeping and resting more. Our body naturally wants to sleep longer, and this is after all the season of hibernation.

Embracing the Outdoors

While the winter weather can be chilly, spending time outdoors can be incredibly invigorating. Whether it's a winter hike, ice skating, or simply taking a moment to breathe in the crisp air, embracing the outdoors can offer a refreshing change of scenery and a vital dose of natural light.

Setting Realistic Goals and Intentions for the month

By all means, set yourself, lofty goals and dreams for the year, but when it comes to the start of the year, and this time of deep winter, it is a time to be more gentle with yourself. As we enter the new year, it's common to set ambitious resolutions, but it's equally important to set realistic intentions and goals. Focus on small, achievable steps that contribute to your wellbeing and avoid placing undue pressure on yourself.

Cultivating Compassion for Yourself

Above all, remember to be compassionate towards yourself. Allow yourself the space to navigate the winter months at your own pace, and be gentle with yourself when faced with challenges or days where you don’t feel at your best or have the energy to do much. Practice self-compassion and acknowledge that it's okay to have moments of struggle during this time.

It’s also perfectly okay to do nothing but read and be cosy with lots of warming drinks and blankets and that be your achievement for the day.

By nurturing your well-being and incorporating these strategies, you can navigate the winter months with greater ease and find moments of joy and peace, even during the darker and colder days. Remember to be kind to yourself, prioritise self-care, and embrace the unique opportunities for growth and connection that the winter season presents.