Wintering: 4 rituals for the cooler months

After a long, hot summer, the cooler months can feel like a shock. And your daily health and wellness routines might become less routine as those chilly days progress.

But, according to author Katherine May, that desire to stay tucked up in bed might actually be something you should listen to.

In her book, ‘Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times’, May explores the idea of accepting colder and darker times as something we can’t avoid, and reframing winter as a period of rest and reset.

“We don’t ever dare to feel its full bite, and we don’t dare to show the way that it ravages us,” she writes.

To help you tackle winter with a cooler approach, we’ve come up with 4 health rituals that are designed to help you rest and recuperate throughout the season.

As the colder months make it harder to go out with others, this may provide an opportunity to stay in, and check in, with yourself.

How often do you take the time to consider what you want or need, and truly listen to yourself without judgement? Take the time to consider what’s working for you in life and what isn’t. Then set some intentions for your day, week, month or even year.

It’s also a good time to take stock of how you’re feeling inside and out. If you’re tired, overwhelmed or stressed, give yourself permission to slow down wherever you can. In a world where we hustle hard to get things done, we often overlook the need to rest.

And remember, resting doesn’t have to mean riding out winter under your quilt and blankets. It might mean choosing gentle exercise like yoga instead of going for a run, not overcommitting to social events, or ordering the occasional takeaway meal instead of cooking.

You don’t have to spend a fortune at a day spa to treat yourself this winter. Instead, block out a few hours and curate your own DIY retreat experience.

You could plan a luxury ‘spa day’ at home, with body brushing, a long, warm bath, a face mask and soothing music. Then lather yourself in your favourite lotions, throw on a comfy robe and finish with some meditation, herbal tea and a good book.

Alternatively, you might head into nature for some restorative forest bathing, outdoor meditation, al fresco journalling and a nutritious picnic. Or, if you’re an early riser, you may simply start your day with a salute to the sun.

While it might not be the most restful activity, cold-water therapy is thought to improve your mental and physical health and may be winter’s answer to fighting fire with fire (or cold water).

Some studies suggest that cold water immersion may even help reduce stress, improve your mood, aid muscle recovery, lower physical pain, boost your metabolism and regulate your nervous system.¹

Eating slow-cooked, hearty meals that are lovingly prepared can feel like a warm hug on a cold winter day.

You might start your day with a bowl of oats. Then for lunch and dinner, you may move onto a nutritious soup or slow-cooked stew with your choice of proteins and seasonal produce. Spice things up with some turmeric, black pepper, ginger and garlic for added flavour and anti-inflammatory force.

To learn more, check out Katherine May’s Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.