Finding Rest in the Heavy Days: Embracing the Concept of "Wintering"

The start of February often finds us in the thick of a challenging transition. The holiday decorations are packed away, the kids are back at school, and we are back to the grind of work and routines while simultaneously trying to map out ambitious goals for the year ahead. Combined with a relentless news cycle and the dark, dreary days of the Northern Hemisphere, it is no surprise that many of us feel a deep sense of fatigue and overwhelm.

Despite being in one of the busiest stretches of the year, we often find ourselves reporting low energy and a post-holiday slump.

When the "Slump" is Actually Burnout

When we take an honest look at these feelings, we may realize we are experiencing burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It manifests as:

• Physical fatigue and a total loss of energy.

• Low motivation and a sense of helplessness.

• Increased cynicism and irritability.

  
  

While anyone can experience this, it is particularly common for those in caregiving or helping professions. Unfortunately, we often attach a stigma to burnout, viewing it as a personal failure—a sign that we didn't set enough boundaries or practice "good enough" self-care.

The reality is that burnout is a season, not a perpetual state.

The Wisdom of "Wintering"

In her book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times (one of our recent Newsletter resources), Katherine May explores the idea that we all experience periods of struggle. In nature, winter is a mandatory time for plants and animals to go still, rest, and recharge. They do this with the innate awareness that this stillness is temporary and necessary for the growth and renewal that spring brings.

As humans, we can embrace this same approach. While we may not be able to hibernate for three months, we can give ourselves permission to enter a "season of rest" as we prepare our minds and bodies for future resurgence.

4 Ways to Manage Burnout Through "Wintering"

1. Pause on the Resolutions It is counterintuitive to add more to our plates during a time when we naturally want to slow down. Goal setting is useful for direction, but it is rarely effective when forced during a time of struggle. Instead of rigid resolutions, try setting a gentle intention for the year and let specific goals formulate naturally as your energy returns.

2. Allow Yourself to Slow Down Identify the absolute "must-haves" for your family to function—such as work/school, meals, rest, and connection. Everything else, like deep-cleaning projects or extra-curriculars, are "bonuses". Focus only on the necessities and only add the bonuses back in as your energy levels allow.

3. Embrace "Good Enough" Our society overvalues constant productivity, but it is okay to pause the perfectionism. Give yourself grace when you need to resort to frozen dinners or when the laundry piles up. Remind yourself that this is a temporary state and you are allowed to prioritize rest over achievement.

4. Create Sustainable, Small-Scale Self-Care Self-care doesn't require a spa day; it can exist in small, everyday moments. Try making a list of things that bring you joy, from the tiny (savoring a first sip of coffee) to the large (planning a future trip). Rank them by the energy they require, and each day, choose an activity that matches your current capacity.

Wintering allows us to meet ourselves exactly where we are. If you are feeling the weight of this season, remember that growth cannot happen without rest first.

Are you struggling to move through a season of burnout? Our therapists specialize in helping you build the distress tolerance and self-compassion needed to navigate difficult times. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.