3 Practices for Aligning with Winter Flourishing
We’re at that inevitable time of year again when the days are crisper and shorter, nature becomes introverted (as do we with our cozy nests inside), and holiday gatherings add notes of comfort, joy, and maybe some anxiety.
How can we align our health and fitness with this inevitable shift in season rather than feeling like it’s at odds with our goals? By syncing ourselves with what’s happening in the greater wave of life, we might just feel a little less crazy.
Here are 3 practices for aligning with Winter flourishing. I wonder what it might inspire in you.
1) Savor and enjoy the Middle Way of eating
One of the most common challenges to our health and fitness during this time of year might be all of the indulgent eating events. Dinner party here, cookies there, ordering take out… it can add up quickly. It can become a source of anxiety just trying to navigate it all!
It can be tempting to follow the path of resistance (trying to avoid all of the yummy foods) or the path of not-giving-a-f***. But instead of falling into either extreme, we can practice walking the Middle Way. Here, we are essentially acknowledging both ends of the spectrum, and staying present to choose in each moment what will feel best.
I might decide, “Yes, the holidays are here and I am going to enjoy some of my favorite foods along the way.” I might also say to myself, “I am going to take good care to have nourishing meals at home and bring my own satisfying options to share at parties.”
When you do choose to eat the pie or have the cocktail, can you then allow yourself to fully have the experience? Can you savor the unique flavors, the textures, the way it lights up your senses? When we indulge on purpose and fully, there becomes less of a pull to over-indulge. Give it a try. What do you notice in your Grandma's pie that you never noticed before?
One last tip when following the Middle Way: It’s a practice and not something to perfect. Allow yourself to begin again and again, coming back to what is true and wise now.
2) Enjoy winter nature & the moonlight
It’s so easy to cozy up inside when the weather is cold. Plus, everything is brown and dead outside; nature is not calling us in the same way.
But have you noticed the beauty of winter nature? The way all of the trees stand in such stillness, the remarkable patterns of their bark; the refreshing crispness in the air, a welcome contrast to the warmth of blankets and slippers; and the glow of the moonlight, the seductress of the night sky.
Spending time in nature has been shown to improve sleep, boost creativity, reduce stress, improve brain function, and so much more. Winter nature is no different! Bundling up for a winter walk in the park can be a refreshing boost and regular part of your winter self care routine.
Speaking of winter weather; because we are not getting as much sun it’s a good idea to supplement with Vitamin D, which can help support immune health and mood during the darker months.
3) Focus on your strong foundation with Strength Training
Just as the winter tree is diverting its energy to its roots, we too, can let our fitness practices become about our foundation. No matter what your preferred mode of exercise, strength training can provide a healthy foundation upon which you continue to flourish.
Into running? Now is a great time to take care of your knees and build strong quads and core.
Do you prefer HIIT classes? Focusing on your strength and movement quality will help you push it even more, confidently and without injury in faster environments.
Do you exercise mostly for longevity? Strength training can support a healthy metabolism, maintain strong bones, and improve mobility and health of your joints.
Strength training is also typically done inside, which is great for the winter months. There are many fun toys we can use to build strength: kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, or even bodyweight. Whichever methods you choose, be sure to train the four main movement patterns: Push, Pull, Squat, and Hinge. Focus on your best technique and full range of motion, and aim to play within the 5-10 rep range for your Strength focused movements.
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On the surface, winter can appear to be at odds with our fitness goals, but upon closer look we see that the seasons are really asking us to shift and lean into new rhythms. Perhaps this winter season you may practice more flexibility and intentionality with your eating, enjoy a stroll in the still winter night, or discover some new strength territory within yourself. Whatever your path, may your months be filled with warmth and wonder.
