The cold, dark months of Winter and early Spring in Ireland are harsh. It’s the busiest time of the year for me in work, this clashes with my waning energy, a desire to hibernate and slow down. In Autumn and Winter my work diary fills up - I am deeply grateful that classes tend to book out, as people are keen to settle into an evening routine that often includes joining a yoga or pilates class.
My business is quite seasonal, in Summer many customers prefer to take holidays, spend their time outdoors and childcare commitments often subsume any available free time. So over the last nine years in business, I have learned to “make hay when the sun shines” or in this case - harvest September to January. I say yes to invitations to work with local organisations, businesses, to collaborate with others. I am visible online advertising, preparing classes, I juggle teaching in a college with running Ebb & Flow. I host weekend events twice a month too. Even during my down-time, in my head I am always thinking two seasons ahead.
My natural spark is lower in the darker half of the year, so I need to direct what energetic resources I have, towards fulfilling my work commitments. Whilst I love the pace and energy that comes from Ebb & Flow’s busiest time, it means I have very little energy left for anything else - including myself.
Ireland’s daily dose of grey skies, sporadic yet very reliable rainfall and zero natural vitamin D serve to intensify my distaste for Winter & in particular, early Spring. It seems odd to dislike Spring so much, but it’s cold here! Christmas is over, it’s bleak and it feels like Winter should be ending, but it just keeps going!
So this year I wrote a list of things I will try, to help me enjoy the colder months a little more. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to try something new from these ideas, or add your own in the comments section below - I’d love to hear from you!
Write every morning - I love writing, it’s a hobby and helps me sort my head out! I’ve rejoined The Artist’s Way group locally to help me stay commited to a daily journaling practice. It’s based on a book by the same name, by Julia Cameron - highly recommend!
Move to get stronger - I rejoined the gym 2 months ago, I am getting stronger & I love that!
Candles & fairy lights everywhere, very hygge!
Make meals I’d love to receive at a restaurant (loving this one! I’ve made some beauts and I set the table for myself properly too!)
Photography Walks
Two walks a day minimum for the dogs, for my head, for any little bit of vitamin D I can soak up
Social sauna & swims
Host a pot luck meal or a movie night with friends / family
Light an outdoor fire pit, drink mulled wine or warm spiced apple juice from big mugs
Star gaze on night walks (I’ve been doing this alot and using a night sky app to help me learn the constellations)
Read a book you’ve meaning to read for ages (I’ve started listening to the Seven Sisters Books by Lucinda O Reilly on audio)
Make soup while listening to a jazz playlist
Listen to audiobooks on dark morning & evening drives to & from work
Do a course in something you love
Read all day on the sofa under a weighted blanket
Research & book a trip or holiday
Do a weekly artist’s date (a solo outing to nurture your creativity/playfulness/curiousity)
Plant winter bulbs in the garden (daffodils are my favourites)
Treat yourself to something cozy (eg) jumper, socks or a PJs - then live in them!
Make a flask of hot chocolate and take it on a walk with you
Winter surfing - the cold, the thrill, the craic in the carpark, hot water bottles, flask of tea
Adapt your exercise routine - if you feel tired and cold, start slow, try something more zen (like yoga - hint hint!)
Add in warming spices to food, eat stews, soups, kidney beans, root veg, walnuts, black beans to support your kidneys in winter according to Traditional Chinese Medicine advice. Limit cold or raw foods - no salads yeaaa!
Greet the dawn - morning light is key to maintain our circadian rhythm
Do less - watch the trees, slow to the pace of nature
Sit in darkness, let the light fade from the day and your natural sleep cycle will kick in more easily
Lean into Celtic Festivals as milestones and celebrations - Winter Solstice, Imbolc
Get creative - make something just for the hell of it!
Read Wintering by Katherine May, it’s stunning!
Listen to Beth Kempton’s a Calm Christmas Podcast by candlelight fireside, it’s like a hug for your ears
Feed birds & squirrels
Forage for wild foods - use a plant ID app to learn what’s under your feet and try a wild food recipe (be sure you only eat what you are sure is safe to do so)
Go to therapy - invest in your wellbeing, it’s the best money you’ll ever spend
Explore the 12 Nights & Omen Days rituals to connect to the Universe / Divine / Spirit / a higher power of your choosing
Invest in a SAD lamp
Sleep, go to feckin bed on time - that is all.
I’d love to hear from you and ways you embrace Winter & early Spring, to help boost your mood, energy and sense of connection.
May you Winter well and remember, it is a cycle, not a descent.
Le grá,
Maeve x