Winter is the time to slow down, to rest and sleep a little more. A time to enjoy doing less. We don’t often adjust our pace to the change of seasons; we can feel like we should have an abundance of energy all year round. However, working against the natural patterns and characteristics of the seasons may not support our overall health and wellbeing. To feel your best in winter—slow down, do less, and smile.
We often think that doing more and being busy is better. People frequently ask, “Have you been busy?”, as if busyness is a sign of success.
By ensuring that we are always busy, we may unintentionally limit ourselves. Being constantly busy can reduce our ability to fully experience our lives as they unfold. We can find ourselves rushing from one thing to another, with little space for enjoyment or fulfilment.
Busyness can also limit creativity and our ability to adapt to change, or to process and rest with our emotions. Over time, this can impact our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Why do we feel the need to be busy and achieve so much? What does it truly offer us? What might happen if we slowed down and did less, but with more presence and care? How might this influence our mood, our emotions, and our overall sense of wellbeing?
Allowing ourselves to slow down and rest supports the body’s natural processes and overall balance. Rest is an important part of maintaining wellbeing, yet it is often overlooked or undervalued. This may be influenced by cultural messaging that encourages us to ‘soldier on’, rather than to pause and care for ourselves when needed. Good physical and mental wellbeing is supported by both physical and mental rest.
You can view and download some tips to help you slow down and enjoy life at a gentler pace this winter. I’ve also created a journal guide to help you explore the value you place on being busy. I hope you enjoy working through this.
Lee-Anne xx
