Embracing the Season of 'Wintering': Why January is the Time to Rest

The calendar flips to a new year, and the dominant cultural narrative is often one of ambition, resolutions, and high-energy goal setting. While this push for more can be motivating, it often ignores the deepest, most intuitive rhythms of nature and our own mental health. As the midwestern weather settles into the heart of winter, we encourage you to adopt a different approach: Wintering. 

What is "Wintering"?

The concept of "wintering" comes from writer Katherine May, who describes it not just as a season, but as a period of enforced rest and retreat—a necessary time of slowing down when life feels fallow or difficult. It’s the opposite of forced cheer and relentless productivity.

Think of it this way: Nature does not "hustle" in January. Trees shed their leaves and conserve energy. Animals hibernate. The energy of the world contracts, drawing inward to prepare for the explosive growth of spring. We, too, are part of nature, and our minds and bodies need a corresponding period of rest and quiet conservation. Our bodies actually produce more melatonin in the winter months which further contributes to our desire to get into our PJs after dinner time (or sometimes before). 

January, following the high-energy, socially demanding holiday season, is the perfect time to let down your guard and allow yourself to simply be. Instead of launching into a demanding new routine, embrace the deep benefits of allowing yourself to "winter." Slow down, and take this time to reflect and plan for the months ahead. 

The Mental Health Benefits of Slowing Down

For many, the post-holiday crash is real. The sudden drop in external excitement combined with the short, dark days can feel draining. Our bodies actually produce more melatonin in the winter months which further contributes to our desire to get into our PJs after dinner time (or sometimes before). Trying to power through this feeling with high expectations often leads to increased stress, anxiety, and even burnout.

By actively choosing to "winter," you give yourself permission to heal, recharge, and process.

1. Restorative Sleep: Longer nights are a biological signal for more rest. Allowing yourself to sleep an extra hour or practice deep rest allows your brain to consolidate memories, process emotions, and physically repair your body.

2. Emotional Processing: The quiet of winter provides a necessary stillness for introspection. When the demands of the external world are lessened, we have the mental space to examine underlying emotional tensions and mental health needs without the pressure of having to perform.

3. Preventing Burnout: Conserving your mental and emotional resources now acts as a crucial preventive measure against future burnout. You are setting yourself up for sustainable growth, not a sprint.

4. Boosting Creativity: Rest is not the opposite of productivity; it is the precondition for it. When the mind is quiet, new ideas, insights, and clarity can emerge.

   
   

Ideas for Your Personal "Wintering"

This period isn't about doing nothing; it's about doing things differently. It’s about choosing quiet, nourishing activities over demanding or exhausting ones. I find it a great time to plan for the year ahead. Spring is just around the corner and it is a great opportunity to think ahead to the coming months and plan for what you want the year to look like. 

Focus Area	Wintering Activity Ideas
Introspection & Learning	Reading fiction or poetry
	Journaling or light, non-judgmental reflection
	Taking an online course purely for enjoyment, not a credential
Cozy Comfort & Home	Deep cleaning or organizing one small area (minimal exertion!)
	Cooking slow-simmering, nourishing meals
	Taking a long, luxurious bath with essential oils
Mindfulness & Movement	Gentle, restorative yoga or stretching
	Short, bundled-up walks to get sunlight exposure
	Focused meditation on gratitude or stillness
Connection & Retreat	Scheduling a quiet, low-key coffee date with one friend
	Writing a short, thoughtful letter to a loved one
	Spending a day without screens (if possible)

This January, give yourself the gift of grace. Recognize that the impulse to retreat, slow down, and conserve your energy is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom. Embrace the dark, quiet beauty of the season, and trust that rest is the most powerful resolution you can make.

To learn more about the concept of “Wintering” read Katherine May’s book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. I had the opportunity to read it a few years ago and I’m grateful I had. I find myself discussing the concept of ‘wintering’ with clients frequently as I think, especially in the midwest, we can understand the internal and external wintering. I think it does a great job reframing “rest” which is an added bonus. 

If you find that the darkness of winter is persistently heavy and impacts your daily functioning, please reach out and schedule a session with one of our clinicians at Blackberry. Your journey toward mental wellness starts with the courage to seek support.

You can schedule an appointment with a provider at Blackberry Counseling Center at any time to help you navigate your “wintering” or other life challenges you may be facing. Email us at contact.blackberry@blackberrycounselingcenter.com or call us at (217) 471-4229.