Wintering: Misha Herwin

 

January is not a month for make resolutions. When the sky is grey, the wind shaking the trees, the rain bouncing off the roof, it is time to hunker down and keep warm and safe. Even more so when the ground is covered in snow as it has been in many parts of the country this past week. Under those conditions, we are told to stay at home, if at all possible, and avoid all unnecessary travel. To struggle on, would be crazy. We are not designed to fight winter but to adapt to it. Short days and longer nights cause the level of the hormone melatonin to rise triggering the need to sleep. Lack of sunlight affects the mood, spurs the uptake of comfort food, which in turn leads to weight gain.

Is that extra fat protecting us against the cold, or preparing us for hibernation?

Humans don’t sleep away the winter, but I think it’s only natural to slow down at this time for year. To practise what some call “Wintering” which I see as going with the rhythm of the season. Waking late, going to bed early, reading, meditating, listening to music, a gentle walk in the country, whatever lets your brain rest. After the frantic activity of Christmas and New Year, this is what, on a subconscious level many of us crave.

Of course it’s not possible if you have to go back to work, but those of us that are lucky enough to be able to choose how we use our time, can embrace the concept. We can stop struggling to meet targets, silence that critical voice that tells what we should and should not be doing, forget about in depth cleaning of the house, or cooking elaborate meals. We can simplify our lives and wait for the clear cold light of spring to bring the return of energy and purpose.