Winter as a Place to Rest

As we move into winter, nature gently invites us to slow down. The days become shorter, the light softer and more scarce, and our bodies and nervous systems naturally respond to these seasonal changes.

Reduced hours of sunlight can have a noticeable impact on our emotional wellbeing. Many people feel more sensitive, introspective, or in need of comfort during this time of year. Our sense of warmth, safety, and ease - both emotional and physical -  can feel more fragile, asking for more conscious care.

Winter also influences how we inhabit our bodies and even how we relate to our faces. Colder temperatures, less light, and increased tension often show up as holding patterns around the jaw, neck, shoulders, and eyes. Our expressions may become more guarded, our breathing more shallow, our posture more inward. These subtle shifts affect not only how we look, but how we feel from the inside.

This season offers a powerful invitation: to turn towards ourselves with more kindness.

Winter is a time to prioritise rest, not as something to be earned, but as a biological and emotional necessity. Deep rest allows the nervous system to recalibrate and supports the body’s natural capacity for repair and renewal.

It is also a moment to nourish ourselves with warmth: grounding, nutritious food; gentle movement; touch that brings a sense of safety and presence. Positive nutrition, in every sense of the word, includes not only what we eat, but also what we take in emotionally and relationally.

Choosing connections that feel light, supportive, playful, and safe becomes especially important at this time of year. Moments of laughter, shared presence, and simple enjoyment help counterbalance the heaviness that winter can sometimes bring.

The end of the year is also a beautiful moment for reflection. A pause to acknowledge what has worked, what has grown, and what has supported us -  even in subtle or unexpected ways. Gratitude helps the nervous system settle and creates a sense of inner coherence and trust.

Rather than rushing into resolutions, winter invites us to listen. To feel. To integrate.

As we close this year, may you give yourself permission to slow down, to soften, and to care for yourself deeply - physically, emotionally, and relationally. These small, attentive gestures of self-care create the conditions for resilience, clarity, and renewed vitality as we move into the year ahead.