Embracing the Winter Months

Though we live in the Southwest, we do experience a winter season. It is not as severe as other parts of the country, but we still have chilly mornings, often with frost warnings and frigid evenings. The sun doesn’t rise until later and sets much earlier than we like. I am very guilty of not taking advantage of the slower rhythms of winter and using this time to rest and recharge before spring, which is why I am writing this post. Here are a few ways to celebrate winter and align yourself with the natural seasonal slowing of the Earth.

Nature’s Pause

Seasonal slowing is the practice of aligning our pace and lifestyle with the natural rhythms of autumn and winter. In nature, we observe a gradual winding down—trees shedding their leaves, animals preparing for hibernation, and shorter days signaling a time for rest and renewal. By taking these cues, embracing Nature’s pause invites us to adopt a gentler, more intentional approach to daily life during the colder months. Adjusting our routines to mimic this slower pace can help us recharge, avoid burnout, and find greater harmony with the season.

It’s Okay to Hibernate!

Winter is a time for deep rest and nourishment, where you can root yourself and get grounded. By getting quiet and slowing down, you can be restored in time for the blooms of spring. With life being so fast-paced, busy, and stressful, we often forget that winter is a time to give ourselves space and time to replenish. Just like the Earth, long periods of rest are the way we thrive and survive.

Ways to Embrace the Winter Season

We love winter in Phoenix because we get to wear sweaters! Adding layers of warmth to your clothing is so comforting. Pick cozy, soft sweaters and add some thick, luscious socks. I just found this sweater on Amazon and read the reviews (5,236 with a 4.6 rating). It’s a maxi length, open front light weight cardigan, in 25 different colors at 48% off at $27.74. What do you think? I just ordered the navy and will give you my review when it arrives.

For me, just keeping my neck warm helps me to feel toasty. In 2022, I share how I make neck warmers which are perfect to wear this time of year. See it here. Of course, you can take advantage of all the beautiful scarves available too!

I find myself sipping on hot beverages all day long. It’s easy to get dehydrated during the winter months so remember to drink plenty of water or warm delicious beverages. There is something so comforting about wrapping your cold hands around a hot mug filled with a steaming drink. Your beverages can include your favorite tea, hot coffee but also bone broth. Here is a convenient one from Costco (or Kirkland) and you can doctor it up with ginger and turmeric too (recipe on the back).

This is a suggestion that I have never done, but working from bed? With so many people now at home with virtual jobs, I suppose getting cozy under the covers and working might be intriguing!

Of course it is the perfect time to eat lots of soups and stews. Recently, I made a Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup (from the Kitchn), which is delicious!

Is there anything more relaxing than cozying up under a blanket with a good book? My dear friend, Sandy, recently gave me an electric lap blanket, which is a game changer. With 4 settings, this Berkshire EZ Touch heated throw, is the perfect item to ward off the chills in our historic home. Our cat, Donovan loves it too!

Podcasts are very popular and if anyone has a good suggestion for a cozy, comforting one, please share.

Create a Warming Environment

Light is so important, even if it is a gray day. With shorter daylight hours, many of us lose the energizing benefits of sunlight. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts more people than we might think, but simple strategies like using a light therapy lamp or spending time outdoors in natural light can make a difference. Consider sitting near a window while enjoying your morning coffee or placing a light therapy lamp on your desk to brighten those early, dark mornings.

Living in Phoenix, we have plenty of natural light during the winter. However, if you live in a low seasonal sunlight area, you may want to try a light therapy lamp. This one has great reviews on Amazon and is currently 11% off.

Rechargeable, cordless lights, which are very portable, may be a solution too. You have heard me rave about the ones that I have, and I use them ALL the time.

Fresh Air

When it’s cold or rainy, staying indoors can be tempting, but stepping outside has countless benefits. Walking outdoors—even in less-than-ideal weather—can uplift your mood, increase your energy, deepen your connection with nature, and even strengthen your immune system.

Bundle up in a cozy scarf, take a brisk walk through the park, and let the fresh air revitalize you. Even a short stroll during your lunch break can leave you feeling refreshed—especially when followed by a comforting cup of tea once back inside.

In extreme winter weather, remember to dress appropriately to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.

Simple, Seasonal Pleasures

The last thing I want to do during the hot, Phoenix summers is turn on the oven. But in the winter, it is typical to have something baking several times a week.

There’s a special comfort in embracing the simple joys of the season—savoring a hot chocolate and enjoying hearty, seasonal foods. Experiment with cooking winter vegetables or baking treats that fill your home with warm, inviting aromas. Small rituals, like enjoying a bowl of stew or lighting your favorite candle as you unwind for the evening, can bring a sense of magic and coziness to each day.

Rest, Rest, Rest!

But winter is naturally a time to slow down, and it’s been shown that we actually need more sleep during winter months (unplugged.com). Honor that by prioritising rest — make time for a weekend lie-in, say no to unnecessary obligations, or take up something gentle like yoga or meditation. Give yourself permission to do a little less. This is the season for hibernation, after all.

Setting rituals to get yourself mentally prepared for sleep are important. Humans are creatures of habit and habits help our brain recognize when it is time to sleep. For me, preparing to go to bed is an important step in getting my body and mind ready to unwind.

To learn more about how sleep plays a critical role in self-care, see my 2022 post here. After the necessary grooming rituals (brushing and flossing teeth, washing and moisturizing face), I am not a fan of cold sheets. As a result I warm this small microwaveable blanket and slide it into bed beforehand. Since it is slightly weighted, the blanket also provides a sense of calm.

Lavender balm from Lather or lavender essential oil also help promote a restful night. Having a supportive mattress, good pillows and the right linens are also very important.

This winter, embrace the beauty of slowing down. Instead of rushing through the colder months to reach summer, align with the season and savor its unique rhythm. With a touch of intention and a few cozy comforts, winter can become a time of renewal and rest—a season to cherish rather than endure. By leaning into this natural pace, we can cultivate balance, deepen our sense of comfort, and step into spring feeling truly refreshed.

Now I am off to do my own slowing down.

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