10 Ways To Flow With The Darker Seasons
Are you struggling to flow with the darker seasons?
You’re not alone!
It’s interesting how we have organized our school and work around the seasons. I don’t know about you, but September always feels like the beginning of the year for me; school starts up, the local activities begin again and there’s the excitement of pulling out those sweaters for the first crisp days of fall/autumn.
After summer, I feel energized to get going on a lot of projects. I want to do ALL the things!
And then as the days start getting shorter, colder and darker, the initial enthusiasm for everything starts to slow. It’s easy to feel guilty about sluggish moments, but I remind myself that slowing down is a part of the season. I remind myself that it’s ok to turn inward.
Nature’s Flow
Look at what nature is doing: the leaves in the trees start to change colour, due to the lack of sunlight, and eventually fall to the ground, animals are preparing for winter, either by eating and storing more food or by migrating elsewhere.
Trees go through dormancy through the winter, which is actually a vital part of their growth cycle. By sending their roots down further into the soil they are strengthening for the spring to come. All those leaves that fall to the ground provide nutrients to the soil, which also help with the following season’s growth period. What outwardly seems stagnant is actually preparing for the growth ahead.
So if trees, plants and animals are slowing down, why are we pushing through?
Luckily for us in the Northern Hemisphere, we have various festivities to keep us inspired during the autumn and early winter: harvest markets, pumpkin patch picking for Halloween, Thanksgiving (US and Canada) and other celebrations, such as Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
But between those fun events, the reality of the dark, cold and slower season sets in (at least for me!). Getting up early becomes even more difficult. It’s harder to get motivated to get out to exercise. Going to work and coming home in the dark can make it feel as if there is not much life outside of work.
Instead of lamenting the lack of outward productivity, I have come to understand that I, too, am in a cycle of seasons, just as the rest of nature.
What may seem unproductive on the outside is actually regenerating something for my next season. It’s vital!
10 Ways To Flow With The Darker Seasons
So what are the ways we can flow with the darker seasons and make them a deeply nourishing part of the year? Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Spend time with family and friends
It doesn’t need to be a big event. You can go out for a walk, stay in for tea, create something together or just hang out and chat. We need quiet time together in addition to more festive times.
2. Quietly reflect on your life
You can think about where things are at in your life without doing anything. If you feel the need to put pen to paper, in order to make more sense out of it all, you can write freestyle in a journal or simply keep a gratitude list.
3. Sleep more and pay attention to the body’s need for rest
The sun sets earlier and rises later, meaning the nights are much, much longer. Without electricity, we’d be getting some solid hours of sleep! When you start to feel the first signs of sleepiness, pay attention to that feeling and maybe head to the bedroom. Even if it’s 8:30 pm! You may not fall asleep right away, but you’ll start to do restful activities and you’ll likely get a longer night’s sleep. If your life circumstances allow you to wake up without an alarm, do so. Being well-rested will help you to make the most of the daylight hours.
4. Incorporate gentle exercise such as stretching, yoga or leisurely walks
If you have no problem exercising throughout the seasons, that’s wonderful (and I’m a little jealous!). For those of us who have a little more difficulty sticking to an exercise routine in the darker months, the simple act of stretching or walking can help us feel better and more energized. Doing gentle exercise can help to feel grounded and more present.
5. Break down any to-do items into manageable chunks
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t make the working world slow down. Things still need to get done. If some of the tasks feel insurmountable, try breaking them down into smaller steps. You may not get the whole thing done today, but you’ll be able to check off some of your steps, and that’s a good feeling. Celebrate the small wins!
6. Remind yourself of your favourite parts of the season
Each season has its virtues and something beautiful to appreciate. What are your favourite parts of the season? Seeing the first snowfall? Walking through piles of crunchy leaves? Waking up to the first frost? Decorating the house? Drinking hot cocoa by a fire? By looking forward and appreciating these things as they happen, it can bring us some comfort and joy.
7. Forage for treasures from nature and bring them indoors
Leaves, pine cones, branches and berries are reminders of the season which can be used to decorate our homes. There is an inexplicable delightful feeling that comes from collecting nature’s treasures and enjoying them at home: a feeling of connectedness and peace with what is.
8. Eat seasonally and take advantage of what’s currently being harvested
Nourishing vegetables that haven’t travelled far are another wonderful way to feel connection with the season. A platter of roasted root vegetables, braised cabbage or a hearty stew or soup filled with nutritious ingredients is a sure way to feel good in your body. If you’re not sure what’s in season in your area, a quick online search or a stroll through your local farmer’s market should give you some ideas.
9. Bring out the candles for a little hygge at home
Is it dark already? Bring on the candles! You might only think about candles for special occasions, but I encourage you to do as the Scandinavians do and light candles every day, morning and night. The Danish word for cosy, hygge, is all about creating that comfortable, convivial (and yes, cosy!) feeling or mood which encourages wellness and contentment. Candles are very hygge.
10. Go to a spa or pool for a sauna, hammam or Jacuzzi
When it’s cold outside and you want a warm inner hug, check out your local swimming pool’s sauna, hammam or Jacuzzi. The benefits go well beyond just getting warm. According to research, you may experience stress reduction, relief from arthritis, improved circulation and better sleep from regular hot tub or sauna use. Plus it just makes you feel good and gives you a sensation of wellbeing.
What are your go-to flow with the darker seasons activities that you turn to for your wellbeing? I’d love to read them down below!
If you’d like to go for a mindful walk and search out unseen beauty around you, download the Creative Walking Tour audio recording and interactive workbook. Head out on an adventure in your own backyard!
