How to winter well

It’s important to get outdoors in all weathers

How to winter well

Introduction

Many find winter to be the toughest season. The cold weather and the lack of light are often cited as the main reasons for this. This blog will give you some tips on how to ‘winter well’.

To summarise: it’s all about maintaining your connection with nature (in all weathers) and using the extra hours of darkness as a time to rest, get cosy, use your imagination and dream about the future. 

Connect with the natural world

The evidence is now pretty overwhelming: getting out into nature is good for you physically and mentally. Just last week, The Guardian published an article on how being in nature improves your memory, logic, imagination and wellbeing.

It covered many of the benefits that ecotherapists and ecopsychologists like myself work with on a regular basis:

• Biophilia. We are hard-wired to love nature because we evolved in the wild and we need it for our survival (even at the most basic level it provides us with food and water).

• Attention Restoration Theory. Scientific research shows that our brains behave differently in natural environments. The type of stimulation offered by nature is an antidote to the types of stimulation we get indoors; in front of screens, in urban environments or in the workplace. It has a relaxing and restorative effect on us.

• Nervous system regulation. Exposure to nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the branch of the nervous system related to a ‘resting’ state. This instils feelings of calm and wellbeing that enable us to think more clearly and positively.

• Emissions from trees and plants. Phytoncides have antibacterial qualities that have been shown to boost our immune system, brain function and wellbeing (a key factor in the science of forest bathing). There is also evidence to show that healthy soil can have the same effect.

The Guardian article misses a couple of important points, however.  Firstly, it doesn’t mention the way nature connects us to something bigger than ourselves. When we are surrounded by so many other living beings (animals, birds, plants) we realise that we aren’t alone on the planet and we feel less isolated. The cycle of life goes on around us constantly, and we are part of a huge, interconnected ecosystem. We are an integral part of the universe. It’s easy to forget this in our individualistic, consumerist society.

 Secondly – and very importantly – it misses the idea of reciprocity. We need nature and nature needs us. We are facing a crisis of biodiversity that threatens the survival of every species on the planet, including ourselves. The solution to this crisis lies in our own hands: we must change our behaviour towards nature, or risk losing everything.

 This isn’t just a survival imperative though; when we actively care for nature it makes us feel good. Simple acts like feeding the birds in winter, or picking up litter in our neighbourhoods, has been shown to have a beneficial effect on our own wellbeing, too.

Learn from nature

 As winter approaches, all the animals, plants and birds start to prepare for the hard times ahead. Many animals hibernate, or go into a state of semi-hibernation so they can survive the impending lack of food by using less energy. Plants shed their flowers, trees lose their leaves, birds migrate or change their eating habits.

 We can learn a lot from this behaviour. Our ancient ancestors would have followed nature’s lead and gone into their own form of semi-hibernation. There was less work to do on the land so they would have spent a lot more time indoors, by the fireside, being sociable with friends and family. Winter was a time for music, stories and creativity.

 Our modern world, driven by the imperatives of capitalism, does not allow us to follow the natural order. We are expected to be productive all year round, whether it feels right or not. But you can fight back! Resist the pressure to be busy constantly. Go to bed early, not necessarily to sleep (though that’s fine too.) Bed can be a wonderful place to read, listen to music, talk to friends on the phone or just to watch TV.

Stay connected

It’s not just about connecting with nature, it’s also really important to maintain our bonds with other people at this potentially isolating time of year. If you can’t get out of the house to meet people in person, plan virtual activities with friends and family. Engaging in conversations, sharing laughs and creating new memories will lift your spirits and combat feelings of isolation. Consider joining local groups or online communities that are focused on winter activities, wellness, or hobbies you enjoy.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice

 The winter solstice happens in the UK this year during the longest night, on December 21. After that, the darkness starts to recede and the days get longer again. This was an incredibly important festival for our Celtic ancestors on these islands. They would celebrate with fire - gathering around huge blazes to share music, stories and ceremonies. Many of the traditions we think of as being associated with Christmas are actually based on this much more ancient, pagan world. An example of this is the yule log, which traditionally burned through the night to symbolise the return of the light.

Practice self-care

Nurture your body and mind by engaging in activities that promote wellbeing. Take warm baths infused with essential oils, eat nourishing winter foods, and make time for meditation or mindfulness practices. Allow yourself to slow down and recharge. Listen to your body. If you feel tired, don’t question it, just rest. Remember, lower energy levels are totally natural at this time of year.

©Caroline White