Wintering well: notes to self
Spring has arrived, and daylight savings is no more. Before I dive headfirst into spring, I want to reflect on this past winter. I managed to weather the season quite well, free from any hints of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that has visited me in previous winters. What helped me winter well? Here are some practices that helped:
Turned off all of the big lights in the evening, cozied up to candles and warm low lights with music in the background. Surrendered to 5 pm darkness.
Watched a lot period films (think Downton Abbey), feel-good films, documentaries and foreign films, they tend to be more calming to my nervous system compared to melodramatic films
Went for a walk everyday regardless of the weather.
Engaged in daily movement - focusing only on movements I like. This winter called for hot yoga, Pilates and walking.
Read a lot of books especially poetry and philosophy which are centering.
Stayed off social media from 12/31-23 through 3/10/23. This break really got me attuned to the rhythm of my days and allowed my creativity to blossom.
I avoided going out after dark. I gave myself permission to hibernate after dark. I even got into bed at 6:30 pm some days to read and unwind. Although, I prioritized waking up early to walk and enjoy the daylight.
Ritualized small habits such as making tea, evening skin care routine, lathering gourmand body creams, wearing perfume, eating desserts, making elaborate Ghanaian meals, going to a cafe every Friday morning.
Kept my home tidy, organized and remove visual clutter.
Dressed in actual clothes each morning rather than leisure wear even if I have no plans outside of my home.
Volunteered in my community. Several times this winter, I served food at my local unhoused center and sat on a committee to honor local volunteers.
I went to see a lot art exhibitions. I have been to 10 art exhibitions in NYC, Richmond & Fredericksburg VA, & DC.
Created things with my hands. I made a hand knitted blanket, an elaborate paint by numbers artwork of my grandmother and several gouache and oil painting.
Learned something new - enrolled in an in-person painting class and took 1-1 drawing class.
Reminded myself daily that the dullness of winter is just as important as the vibrancy of other seasons and that slowing down is good for my inner world.
