Navigating the shifting seasons
West Malvern in the sunshine this week - shortly before days of rain!
We’re heading into darker nights and mornings now, and with the clocks going back at the end of the month, can you feel the winter months approaching? Though we’re still in autumn, there’s definitely a shift in the air. For me, this is one of my favourite times of the year. There’s something so comforting about pulling on woolly jumpers, thick socks, and snuggling up under a blanket with a good book when it's dark outside.
But I know not everyone feels the same. For some of you, these darker, colder times come with a sense of sadness of shorter days and colder weather. So, I thought I’d share a few ideas to help you navigate these months and find ways to enjoy them, by slowing down in line with nature, savouring the time, giving yourself a project and creating comfort in different areas of your wellbeing.
Create your plan to navigate darker days
Nutrition: How can you support yourself nutritionally in the colder months? Warming, nourishing meals might help to sustain your energy and boost your mood. Could you pick out some new recipes to try?
Movement: How can you keep moving through winter? If you want to get outside can you make your you have warm layers and good waterproofs? If it's indoors maybe signing up to a yoga or pilates app to find some new workouts.
Rest: Can you embrace this time to slow down? Rest in a way that feels nourishing rather than just stopping because you feel exhausted.
Managing stress: How can you manage stress differently as the season shifts? Maybe introducing a meditation or mindfulness practice for a few minutes a day.
Values and purpose: Darker evenings can be the perfect time to reflect. Get your journal out and reconnect with your values and purpose. Maybe you could use this season to refresh your goals for the rest of the year.
Relationships: Could this time of year be ideal for deepening your relationships? It might be as simple as sharing more meaningful conversations with loved ones or making space for quality, cosy time together.
Joy: How can you bring more joy into your days? Maybe it’s a winter craft project, finally getting around to reading a book you've had on your list, decluttering or setting yourself a winter challenge.
Coaching questions
If none of those ideas resonate with you, try journalling on these coaching questions to see what you come up with:
What does your body need during this season to feel supported and nourished?
How can you create a daily routine that balances rest, movement, and joy as the days grow shorter?
What small shifts can you make in your environment or mindset to help you embrace the darker, quieter winter months?
Here's what I'll be doing:
I’ll be navigating these darker days and colder weather by:
Heading to the gym to build strength for a couple of (very) long distance challenges next year
Building up my long distance walks with the local Long Distance Walker Association group.
Dialling in my nutrition, summer was a bit carefree when it came to nourishing myself!
I’m adjusting my evening routine now that my body has decided it likes to wake up at 5am!
I’m recognising that even though Deeper Wellbeing is exciting, I need to set boundaries to manage my time and stress.
I also plan to join some netwalking events to create new local relationships
And joy, which is always my favourite, will be reading the unread books on my shelf, listening to new podcasts, making my living room a cosy and relaxing place to be, and maybe even a little felting project, I’m sure my family would love some badly felted animals for Christmas!
I’d love to hear how you get on with these ideas, reply and let me know what you'll be doing!