Winter, with its cold, dark and fading light, often evokes mixed feelings in people. While some long for the cosiness of a warm fireplace and snug blankets, others dread the long, chilly nights. Yet, there is a profound beauty and magic in embracing winter in all its aspects. This season has much to offer in terms of health and wellbeing as it encourages us to slow down, relax and dig deep. In this blog, we explore the importance and benefits of embracing winter, from its unique qualities to the physical and mental advantages it provides.
Embracing the quietness of winter
The quietness of winter is one of its most striking features. Nature seems to hibernate, creating an environment of tranquillity. Embracing this silence can be incredibly beneficial for our mental health.
- Mental clarity: The quiet of winter allows us to clear our minds, escape the noise of modern life and gain mental clarity.
- Mindfulness: Winter’s stillness encourages mindfulness, helping us stay present and appreciate the beauty of the moment.
- Reduced stress: Research has shown that spending time in quiet, natural settings can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
The special light of winter
The quality of light in winter is unlike any other season. The soft, diffused glow of the sun, often filtered through a blanket of clouds or reflected off snow, creates a unique atmosphere.
- Photography and creativity: Winter light offers excellent conditions for photographers and artists, inspiring creativity and allowing for unique compositions.
- Vitamin D production: Sunlight is essential for the body’s production of vitamin D, which supports immune function, bone health and mood regulation. Even in winter, spending time outdoors during daylight hours can help maintain vitamin D levels.
- Candlelight and cosiness: Embrace the special quality of winter light by using candles and warm, soft lighting in your home. This can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere that promotes for relaxation and self-care.
The magic of winter
Winter has a magical quality that captivates our senses. Whether it’s the frosty landscape, rain-filled sky, much-loved snow, or the crisp air, there’s something enchanting about this season.
- Connection to nature: Embracing winter can help us connect with the natural world in a profound way. Take time to appreciate the delicate beauty of a frosty day or the rhythmic crunch of footsteps on frozen ground.
- Outdoor activities: Engage in winter activities like hiking, walking or cold water swimming to experience the magic first-hand.
- Stargazing: Winter nights offer some of the best stargazing opportunities. The clear, cold air provides excellent visibility and the constellations seem to shine more brilliantly. In rural parts of the world, where there is little artificial light pollution, there can be stunning displays of natural light in the night sky.
Winter’s impact on health and wellbeing
Embracing winter can have numerous positive effects on your physical and mental health.
- Improved immune function: Exposure to cold temperatures can stimulate the production of white blood cells, boosting the immune system’s efficiency.
- Better sleep: The longer nights of winter can contribute to better sleep quality. The increased darkness can signal your body to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
- Mental resilience: Learning to appreciate winter’s unique qualities can build mental resilience, helping you adapt to challenging situations.
- SAD prevention: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in the winter months. Embracing winter by spending time outdoors and maintaining an active lifestyle can help prevent SAD symptoms.
Slowing down and digging deep
Winter encourages us to slow down, reflect, and dig deep into our inner selves.
- Hygge lifestyle: Embrace the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ – a lifestyle that promotes cosiness, contentment and well-being. Curl up with a good book, savour a hot beverage and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Enjoy reading, playing board games, practising yoga, cooking and snuggling down to watch some of your favourite films and shows.
- Self-reflection: Use the long, dark nights to engage in self-reflection. Winter can be a time for personal growth and inner exploration.
- Creative pursuits: Explore your creative side through writing, painting or other artistic activities. Winter is an ideal time to hone your skills and express your emotions.
The importance of embracing the outdoors
While the allure of indoor warmth is tempting, venturing outside during winter is essential for your physical and mental health.
- Fresh air: Spending time outdoors provides you with fresh air, which can improve respiratory health and provide a break from the dry indoor air.
- Physical activity: Winter offers unique opportunities for physical activity. Whether it’s going for a brisk walk, a long stroll, hiking or climbing a mountain, or getting into the sea, staying active is crucial for wellbeing.
- Connection to nature: Interacting with the natural world during winter is a profound experience that can foster a deep connection to the environment.
The uniqueness of the dark
The darkness of winter is not to be feared or hidden from but embraced as an essential part of the natural cycle.
- Cosmic beauty: Dark winter nights provide a canvas for the cosmos. Gaze at the stars and planets and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning celestial display.
- Rest and restoration: Just as nature rests during the winter, we too can find solace in the dark hours. Use the long nights to rest, recharge and prepare for the brighter days ahead.
- Fostering resilience: Embracing the darkness teaches us to find strength and beauty in adversity. It reminds us that, just like nature, we have the capacity to endure and thrive.
Tips for embracing winter
To fully embrace winter and reap its benefits, consider the following tips:
- Enjoy the winter light: If you get up early, enjoy the extra light in the morning. Take a walk in the early afternoon to bask in that unique winter light.
- Layer up: Dress warmly to stay comfortable and safe while outdoors.
- Stay active: Engage in winter sports or activities to maintain physical fitness and boost your mood.
- Practise mindfulness: Dedicate time each day to mindfulness and meditation to stay present and reduce stress.
- Socialise: Maintain social connections through winter gatherings, virtual meet-ups or outdoor activities with friends and family. Small groups can create sustainable rituals such as walks, hikes, sitting around an outdoor fire with a warm drink, or starting a book club and meeting inside or outside on a regular basis.
- Create a cosy home: Use soft lighting, warm colours and textured fabrics to create a cosy and inviting home environment. Creating a ritual making your home warm and welcoming is a standard part of how winter is enjoyed in Nordic countries.
- Limit screen time: Reduce screen time to avoid the adverse effects of too much artificial light and stimulate creativity.
- Celebrate winter holidays: Participate in winter festivities and traditions to connect with loved ones and make the most of the season.
Embracing winter in all its aspects – cold, dark, fading light and quietness – can bring a sense of fulfilment and wellbeing. This season offers a unique opportunity to slow down, reflect and connect with the natural world. By spending time outdoors, appreciating the magic of winter and taking care of your physical and mental health, you can turn this season into a time of personal growth and joy. Remember that winter is a vital part of the natural cycle and its beauty is worth embracing and celebrating.
Listen: Listen to Nature Nights on RTÉ Radio 1 – Creatures of the Night to hear Dr Richard Collins speak to Etta Dannemann, founder of Visit Dark Skies, about the fundamental importance of our relationship with the night sky https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/11463312/
Read: ‘Studies show people living in the Arctic Circle are armed with a mindset that helps combat the long ‘polar night’. It might come in handy for us all’ https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/sep/26/dreading-a-dark-winter-lockdown-think-like-a-norwegian
