Wintering: Embracing Rest and Renewal with Holistic Therapy
- Alaine Di Michele
- Dec 15, 2024
- 3 min read
As the frost settles and the days grow shorter, winter brings with it an invitation to pause. For years, I dreaded it—the dark mornings, the post-Christmas lull, the longest wait to payday ever! and the relentless pressure to “get back on track.” But last year, a dear friend, Becky from The Perimenopause Chronicles (find her on Instagram here) (and her substack here) gifted me a book that shifted my perspective entirely:
Wintering by Katherine May.
This beautiful read changed how I approach the season, reminding me to slow down, honour the natural rhythms of life, and embrace winter as a time of healing. You can explore this transformative book HERE from world of books, a second hand book retialer.
Winter’s Wisdom: Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World
Our society thrives on speed—just look at the 5 am club, constant productivity, endless to-do lists, and a belief that slowing down and taking a break equals failure. Yet, winter reminds us that nature has its own rhythm. Animals hibernate, trees shed their leaves, and the earth itself rests, preparing for renewal.
Humans, too, are wired to follow these rhythms, often referred to as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock governs our sleep-wake cycles and energy levels. Yet, in modern life, artificial lighting, screens, and societal demands have disconnected us from this ancient wisdom.
Winter, with its long nights and cold days, offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect—to rest, reflect, and recharge both mind and body.
Holistic Therapies: Supporting the Mind, Body, and Soul in Winter
This slower pace can be complemented beautifully with holistic and complementary therapies, which are designed to nurture the whole person.
Massage Therapy: A gentle aromatherapy massage helps ease winter tension, improves circulation, and boosts mood. Essential oils like cedarwood, frankincense, and orange provide grounding and warmth, enhancing the experience.
Facials for the Season: Winter’s harsh weather can leave skin feeling dry and depleted. A nourishing holistic facial not only revitalises the skin but offers a calming escape from the outside chill.
Reflexology: This ancient therapy balances the body’s energy, grounding you in times of stress and seasonal change. It’s particularly helpful for boosting circulation and supporting winter sluggishness.
Aromatherapy: Incorporating essential oils into daily life can support your winter wellness. Try diffusing warming blends like cinnamon and clove or uplifting scents like bergamot to create a cosy, comforting space.
Tips for Embracing Your Own Wintering
Here are a few ways to honour this season of rest and renewal, inspired by Wintering and my own journey:
Listen to Your Body. Allow yourself to rest more. Go to bed earlier, take naps when you need them, and let go of the guilt associated with slowing down. Honour your natural circadian rhythm by dimming the lights in the evening and avoiding screens before bed.
Create Winter Rituals. Introduce small, soothing rituals into your daily life. Light a candle while showering, enjoy a warming herbal tea, or take an aromatherapy bath with calming oils like lavender or chamomile.
Book a Holistic Treatment. Set aside time for nurturing therapies like yoga, soud baths,meditation, massage, and reflexology. These moments of stillness can restore balance and reconnect you to yourself.
Take a Mindful Walk. Even on frosty days, bundle up and head outside. A short, mindful walk in nature—even if it’s just a local park—can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. Notice the bare trees, the crisp air, and the quiet beauty of winter.
Embrace the Lessons of Wintering.Pick up Katherine May’s Wintering and allow it to guide you through this season. Reflect on how winter isn’t a time of endings but of preparation for growth and renewal.
A Gentle Reminder
The January blues don’t have to define this time of year. With holistic therapies and a mindful approach, winter can become a season of self-care, reflection, and gentle healing. It’s not about doing more but about being present—honouring the cycles of both nature and yourself.
This year, let’s embrace wintering together. Whether you need the grounding touch of reflexology, the warmth of an aromatherapy massage, or the nourishing care of a holistic facial, I’m here to support your journey.
Sending love and light
Alaine
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