Winter’s Wisdom: Finding Balance Before Spring Blooms

As we reach the end of a long winter in Aotearoa, many of us are starting to feel the pull towards lighter days and the fresh energy of spring. Yet it’s important to recognise that winter still has its gifts to offer - nature reminds us that every season has its purpose. 

In our fast-paced, modern world, filled with artificial lighting, heating, clocks, and rigid work schedules, we often find ourselves overworked and under-rested. Although the demands of everyday life rarely shift to accommodate the differing needs of the seasons, Winter quietly offers us a chance to turn inward, restore our energy, and align with the rhythms of the season before the busy months that lie ahead.

Embracing the Final Weeks of Winter

I must admit, I do find it challenging to slow down. As someone who is naturally busy and often on the go, embracing a slower pace doesn't come easily. Yet, my recent autoimmune diagnosis, coupled with the transitions of perimenopause and the natural process of aging, has shifted my perspective. I'm finding myself less concerned with the constant drive to 'get things done' and more interested in the quality of my experiences. This ‘season’ of healing, allowing, softening, and nestling into comfort, Winter's wisdom is teaching me the value of rest and reflection.

Simple Ways to Restore Your Energy

Rituals for better rest

The shorter daylight hours of winter naturally encourage us to rest more. Lately, I’ve found myself in bed by 9 pm most nights, relishing the comfort of warm blankets and a good book before drifting off to sleep. When the sun rises, so do I, feeling more in tune with the natural world. It's a simple practice, but one that aligns with my body's natural circadian rhythm and supports melatonin production. Dimming the lights in the evening can further enhance this process. Research shows that lower light levels signal our bodies to produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, helping us prepare for a restful night.

Eating with the seasons

Seasonal eating is another way I nourish myself during winter. Eating what is locally available and in season provides us with the nutrients we need to thrive. For example, root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which supports immune function—something we all need during the colder months. 

As lovely as it might be to eat a peach or fresh strawberries in Winter, the relationship between humans and food is beautifully symbiotic, with each season offering exactly what we need to maintain balance and wellness. Citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins, and lemons, as well as kiwifruit, avocados, and apples, are especially tasty in Winter. Hearty vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and parsnips are also at their best during the winter months.

Mindful Practices to Support Winter Wellness

Winter is the perfect time for self-reflection. Much like a tree or plant sending its energy down into its roots to rest and prepare for the coming growth of Spring, we too can benefit from a period of introspection. Engaging in practices like meditation, mindful movement, or journaling can help us connect with our inner selves. Creativity flourishes in these quiet moments, whether through art, reading inspiring words, or listening to music that feels like a warm hug. Fragrant baths, hot water bottles, woolly socks, warm teas, and hearty soups are not just comforts but could be considered medicine for the body, mind, heart, and soul during this season.

Winter’s Wisdom: Comfort for Brighter Days Ahead

Winter encourages us to listen to our bodies and honour what they need — it’s about slowing down, softening, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. 

By embracing these simple pleasures, we allow ourselves to move with the natural rhythm of the seasons. Now’s the time for us to soak up all the cosy comforts that bring nourishment: the warmth of a blanket, the richness of a homemade soup, or the quiet joy of an early night’s rest. 

As winter draws to a close, this period of rest becomes the foundation for renewal, helping us step into spring with energy ready for a season of growth. 

Moving through the tail-end of Winter, consider what gentle rituals you’d like to carry with you into the brighter days ahead. How can you create space for rest and reflection in your life?  

To support you, here’s a free Restorative Yoga practice—a moment of calm designed to help you soak up winter’s gifts while preparing for the fresh energy of spring. 

I do hope you find it helpful. Enjoy! 🌿✨