How to Enjoy a Winter Rest

Rest is the most natural thing in the world, yet many of us ignore it because it runs counter to our society's pressure to do it all.  We overuse coffee, 5-Hour Energy drinks, and junky snacks to keep ourselves going beyond what our bodies can really handle.  Alternatively, when we've hit a wall and feel the exhaustion, we "rest" by binging on Netflix or social media, or we turn to bars or casinos in order to "relax."

The result is that a huge number of us are chronically sleep-deprived, which leads to brain fog, depression, cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunctions, increased accidents, and more.

The 24/7 life is glorified, and constant connection via computers and cell phones has made the problem worse, because we place no boundaries on our "on call" time.  Technology makes us feel like we have more control over our environment, but the truth is we're losing control over our most precious and finite resource – our time.

It's not natural.

No living thing is mean to function all the time without a break.  Just as animals and plants need a season of rest, so do we.  It's not healthy for us to go, go, go until we fall into bed, utterly exhausted.

Now, we can't just hibernate like a bear in the winter.  (Even bears don't actually sleep through the entire season.)  That's not natural for humans.  Not only do we need to eat, we have other jobs to do.  Even before our modern era, winter was a time to make and repair things, a time for learning and story-telling, and an opportunity to strengthen personal connections with conversation and other social activities.

We can't ignore all responsibilities, but if after work you feel like sitting in your comfy chair with a big mug of tea or cocoa, you should say yes to that.  Say yes to that, and no to some other things.

Related article: 10 Steps to Slow Down a Speeded-Up Life

Rest doesn't always mean sleep.

When I was a child, I took naps.  As I got a bit older (age 4 or so), I didn't always fall asleep during nap time, but my mother still insisted that I lay on my bed and rest quietly.  I think she wanted a break, she wanted me to set an example for my not-quite-3-year-old brother, and she wanted me to be quiet for my baby sister, sleeping in her crib next to me.  Mama always said that "resting is as good for you as sleeping."

Resting might mean taking a nap, but it could also mean curling up with a good book, or relaxing near a window, watching the birds feed at your winter station.  It might mean leafing through a photo album or working quietly at a craft.  Or maybe it includes a phone conversation with a dear friend or listening to some music while you mix and bake some banana bread.

Appreciate the lack of daylight.

The dark hours of late fall and early winter are the perfect opportunity for rest.  In fact, many of us feel more inclined to rest during this time, but fight against that desire because of modern electric lights and round-the-clock media.

So take a break from media.  Close your laptop, put your phone in another room, and turn off the TV, news radio, podcasts, and streaming videos.  Do this for a period of time every day, and not just during sleeping hours.  Choose some time to be away from every screen and every voice that tries to influence and/or sell to you.

Don’t worry – this daily break won’t leave you uninformed.  The 24-hour news cycle means that stories are repeated over and over (and over), and you'll be able to catch important events at some point, without subjecting yourself to the speculation and overload that are so common.

Turn off electric lights and enjoy candlelight when you can.  It's perfect for an evening of quiet conversation or reading (or listening to an audio book).*

Take a nap on a cold afternoon under your favorite blanket.  Instead of cursing the darkness, use it as a reason for rest.

* This blog is reader-supported, with NO ADS.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.

More ways to enjoy a winter rest

Follow the rhythms of nature to feel healthier and more alive.  In the long days of summer, use those extra hours of light to walk, hike, ride your bicycle, garden, attend evening plays, concerts, and ballgames, have backyard parties, and more.  But in winter, you can choose to slow down and do a little less.

1.  Learn the power of no.

No one can do everything, so stop trying.  You don't have to make excuses for saying no.  If someone asks you to help organize the school fundraiser, it's okay to say "Thanks for asking, but I'll have to say no."

2.  Choose what matters.

Saying no allows you to say yes to something that matters more to you.  Whether that means a different activity or more rest, family time, or alone time, you get to choose.  Instead of feeling pressure to please everyone, think about what is most important to you.

3.  Establish a routine.

I'm not advocating rigidity, but the more daily tasks become a matter of habit rather than an inner debate or reinvention of the wheel, the easier each day will become.  Whether that means designing a personal uniform, systematizing meals, interacting on just one social media platform, or establishing a bedtime ritual, you'll reduce stress, save energy, and be more effective in all your activities.

Related article: For Daily Ease, Make One-Time Choices

4.  Embrace home.

In our hyper-busy world, some of us seem to only go home to sleep.  We may eat most of our meals away from home, so it's not even a place to cook and eat.

Instead, make your home a space where you can disconnect and move at your own pace, with your own priorities.  Make home a place you don't want to escape from.

For some, this might mean decluttering.  An over-crowded, messy home is not a refuge that lets you rest and recharge.  Keep what's needed, and part with the rest.  You'll experience less stress, spend less time cleaning, and be able to enjoy your special possessions in a space that feels like a personal sanctuary.

5.  Enjoy creativity.

Do something simply because it gives you joy and pleasure.  Crochet or sew, draw or color, build a model or whittle a walking stick.  Read for entertainment rather than always trying to learn something.  Start a journal or a blog.

Enjoying a hobby lets you disconnect from your usual activities and be busy in a different way, with more self-direction and less stress.

Related article: 52 Minimalist Hobbies to Benefit and Enrich Your Life

6.  Connect with nature.

Winter beauties can be subtle, which is one more reason to tune in and pay attention to the details.  The last time we had snow where I live (2003), it was such a pleasurable surprise that most everyone took the time to get out and experience it.  But in any typical winter, there are birds, the sky, and even the tracing of bare winter trees to enjoy.

I know that many of you experience long, deep winters.  I would advise you (and all of us) to recognize the quiet gifts of the season, and to see the details of what is there rather than longing for what is not.  Appreciate that nature is resting in preparation for the profusion of spring, and let it teach you patience and the joy of anticipation.

As this season continues, don't deny yourself the rest you need.  Say yes to more time, relaxation, and peace.

The world is too much with us; late and soon,

Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers....

William Wordsworth

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Recently, I received my first Seasonal Whisper from Kathie Lapcevic over at Homespun Seasonal Living.  My large, hand-addressed envelope contained a thoughtful, inspiring letter, several delicious seasonal recipes, a DIY craft, a pretty card with a seasonal bucket list of ways to savor the season, a special tea bag, and some stickers!  It was like receiving a gift or a letter from a friend.  Why don't you consider subscribing to Kathie's service?*

* This blog is reader-supported.  I'm an affiliate of Homespun Seasonal Living, and if you purchase through my link, I earn a small commission.