Winter is for Hibernation
Do you feel it too? Although we may be getting glimpses of spring, our bodies are smack dab in the middle of winter. The days are getting longer, but it’s still dark after dinner. Dark is when you get in your pyjamas and shut things down for the night. But, there is still so much to do!
Bears have the right idea – grow a warm coat, find a cozy den, settle yourself down, and sleep. That sounds great to me.
In reality, I cannot hibernate.
(And, as it turns out, bears don’t either. They go into a state of torpor, which is a lighter sleeping state necessary for survival during the winter months.)
Adapting to our surroundings is key to thriving in life. For some, summer is a time of relaxation, akin to a bear's torpor. For me, winter is when I wish to slow down, ideally spending 90% of my time indoors, enjoying the comfort of a cozy chair, a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and a kitty on my lap. Yet, life demands our presence.
Truthfully, I would miss life if I withdrew for too long. My winter aim is to conserve energy so I can keep up with essential activities without depleting myself. Despite my energy conservation efforts, I must admit I cherish the brisk yet sunny winter days.
Conserving Energy
For some, winter is the season of choice, filled with invigorating outdoor activities. For others, it's a challenging time, often marked by a mid-season energy slump.
Conserving energy—in our lives and bodies—can be akin to home energy savings. Taking measures like sealing leaks around doors and windows to prevent wasted energy.
Similarly, we might cut out energy-draining activities during winter. Preparing large batches of soup or stew can save the daily energy and time of cooking. Delicious and a time saver.
You may need to say no to some activities and take this season as one of rest and recovery. This could mean saying no to some of our children's requests. As we age, our need for rest increases—perhaps it is nature, but I think it may be the expectations to live a hurried life that begins to catch up with us over time. Identifying and addressing 'energy leaks' can be crucial for energy conservation during this season.
Staying in a low-energy state like torpor can be an efficient way to use energy, but this varies by personality. Introverts may spend more time alone, while extroverts might need to plan social activities to prevent feeling isolated. Align with your personality.
Generating Energy
While it is smart to conserve the energy we have, there are ways to generate energy through the season as well.
In that case, we are more like plants in the home. There are basic needs that help to generate energy and sunlight every day is one of them. Vitamin D is key to replenishing energy, so getting outside for 10-15 minutes a day can make a world of difference.
Everything needs a primary source of energy for power. Typically, these are the basics of survival – sunlight, nutritious food, good sleep, plenty of water, and movement for strength and flexibility. It may be helpful to get these in order as a baseline for energy through a tough season.
Lean in to things in your life that generate energy. Be mindful of what is happening and plan your days and weeks to conserve the energy you’ve generated. Thriving means knowing yourself and how to organize your environment for maximum results.
Emotional Energy
Our emotions can also take or generate energy, so it is important to do things that have you vibrating at higher emotional states. Although the impact of emotions on energy might not be entirely scientific, it's clear that our mood and energy levels are interconnected. Dark nights and gloomy days can make us feel low – sad, lonely, lethargic, and our inner critic can exacerbate these feelings.
Finding a balance in a more neutral emotional state can be beneficial during times of low energy. Acceptance, willingness, and courage are such states, useful even in the midst of winter storms—I accept that storms come in winter and have the courage to brave the elements with my willingness to go out shoveling.
It seems like a simple example, but mindset helps a great deal when it comes to energy.
Identifying aspects of winter you enjoy can also be energizing, whether it's the opportunity to stay home or to socialize. Journaling, especially focusing on gratitude, can be energizing. So can connecting with others.
The point is to find your set point during the winter months. Know yourself and your disposition. There is no right or wrong, only self-awareness. Find the things that are specific to your energy and focus on those. Regardless of what the Groundhog said, there is still a lot of winter to go.