Embrace Wintering This Year: A Gentle Approach to the New Year

The start of a new year often comes with a wave of pressure. New resolutions, ambitious goals, and a cultural push to do more or be better can leave us feeling drained before the year has even begun. This year, try something different. Instead of striving, allow yourself to winter.

Wintering, a concept popularized by Katherine May in her book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, is the practice of slowing down, embracing stillness, and giving yourself permission to step back from constant productivity. It is a season, both literal and metaphorical, to restore energy, reflect, and nurture yourself without the weight of strict expectations.

Why Wintering Matters

Research in psychology and neuroscience shows that periods of rest and reflection are essential for mental and physical health. Chronic stress and overcommitment can elevate cortisol levels, which can impair memory, decision-making, and immune function. Intentional downtime can lower stress hormones and increase feelings of well-being.

Your home plays a key role in this. A chaotic or cluttered environment can amplify stress, while a thoughtfully organized space can create mental breathing room. Wintering does not mean doing nothing. It can mean creating a space and a routine that support calm and restoration.

Let Go of Strict Resolutions

Instead of making rigid resolutions, try setting intentions. Intentions guide you without demanding perfection. Here are some examples:

• I will create space in my home for rest and reflection.

• I will declutter one area at a time without pressure to finish everything at once.

• I will embrace quiet moments even if my to-do list is not complete.

Research shows that flexible, values-based intentions increase motivation and satisfaction, while rigid resolutions often lead to guilt or burnout.

Practical Steps to Winter in Your Home

1. Declutter in small steps
   Choose one area to focus on at a time. This could be a kitchen counter, a bedside table, or a single shelf. Remove items that cause friction or anxiety. Small wins can have a big impact on how your home feels.

2. Create comfort zones
   Add cozy touches that make you feel nurtured. Soft blankets, warm lighting, a favorite chair, or a small area for reading can all signal your brain that this is a place for calm.

3. Designate mindful spaces
   Set aside a corner of your home for reflection or journaling. Even a small area where you can sit quietly or meditate can help your mind relax and recharge.

4. Simplify routines
   Consider ways to reduce mental load in daily life. Prepare meals in batches, create a simple laundry routine, or organize your workspace to make tasks easier. The goal is to reduce friction so you can focus on rest and reflection.

5. Honour your energy
   Some days you may feel inspired to organize or declutter. Other days, you may need quiet. Both are okay. Pay attention to what your body and mind need.

Moving Through Wintering

Wintering is not about hiding from life. It is about creating a rhythm that respects your energy and emotional bandwidth. By slowing down, decluttering mindfully, and creating spaces for comfort and reflection, you set yourself up for a more intentional and joyful year.

This year, approach your home and your life with gentleness. Choose intention over obligation. Allow yourself to winter and create the conditions you need to thrive. Your mind and home will thank you for it.