Being from the Midwest, the winters are no joke. So much so that vitamin D supplements become a part of my morning routine from October to March. As the winter settles in, it’s very normal to feel a shift in your mental and emotional well-being. Winter can also be an opportunity to slow things down, reflect, and become more present in our everyday lives. Here are some tips that I live by during the winter to help stay grounded!
Embrace the rhythm of wintertime
In many ways, winter allows us the time to naturally slow down our routine. The days are shorter, and the nights are longer, which we should align with our body’s need for rest and rejuvenation. During the wintertime, honor this slower period by taking the scenic route home, napping in the afternoon, and enjoying the calmness of winter.
Stick to daily routines
When it gets dark at 4 pm, it can be very tempting to just call it a day and take a nap (I know I want to)! This makes it even more important to stick to your daily routines and commit to them. One way to stay grounded is by creating small, daily routines that help you feel anchored.
Morning ritual ideas: Whether it’s a warm cup of tea, stretching, or a few minutes of breathing, starting the day with intention can set the tone for a more mindful experience.
Evening ritual ideas: As the light fades quicker than normal, use this time for reflection. Write in your journal to reflect on the day, utilize meditation & mindfulness, or take a nice bubble bath to wind down.
Adjust your schedule
To stick to your daily rituals, you might need to adjust your schedule. If you’re like me, my bedtime is around 8:30 pm during the winter. This means I utilize the time I have during the day to take my dog for a walk or run a quick errand!
Seek natural lighting whenever possible
Since the shortest day of the year falls on December 21st, daylight is limited during the winter months. To make the most of the daylight you do get, it's important to take full advantage of natural light. Always draw your blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible, go outside for a walk during the day to soak up those precious rays, and keep your windows clean to allow more light to filter in!
Stay connected
Do you find yourself with more unanswered texts or missed calls than usual? Same here. During the winter months, it’s easy to fall into hibernation mode and stay indoors as much as possible. But staying connected with loved ones is crucial for our mental well-being. When it's too cold to spend time outside, why not host a game night, throw a cozy dinner party, or even hop on a FaceTime call? It’s a simple way to stay connected and boost your mood!
Gratitude
Winter can be a tough time for many of us and make it easy to lose sight of what we have—our health, our relationships, or even the little things like a dog wagging its tail or the comfort of a cozy blanket. Practicing gratitude helps us refocus on what’s going well, shifting attention from what’s missing to what we already have. Even taking just a few minutes each day to appreciate things like family, a fulfilling job, or a quiet moment can make a big difference.
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