In defence of the slow season: How to live well through winter

With February fast approaching, we are made to wonder: is there any way to romanticise and make these last winter months more fun? The winter that follows the excitement of Christmas has a reputation problem. When decorations are taken down, and the last of the presents have been opened, January and February arrive like an afterthought: cold, grey, and quietly disappointing. And so, we ask ourselves, can we make winter more enjoyable?

A time for slowing down, guilt-free rest, cosy rituals, and low-pressure goals to make the cold weather more bearable

The lack of daylight, the cold, damp weather, and the pressure of the New Year all contribute to the overwhelming opinion that the winter months are particularly hard to endure. A sea of headlines titled ‘New Year, new me’ can be seen plastered across social media platforms, pressurising us to reinvent ourselves. Whilst new goals and a fixed routine can give us a sense of purpose, the constant impression that we need to ‘improve’ ourselves can oftentimes make us feel disheartened when we don’t see instant change or find ourselves falling into the same old habits.

But why should we feel this expectation to change? Instead of reinvention, winter should be re-framed as meditative self-reflection – a time for slowing down, guilt-free rest, cosy rituals, and low-pressure goals to make the cold weather more bearable.

In a survey I conducted, when asked what the biggest struggles were when transitioning from January to February, an overwhelming 90% of respondents said the weather and the lack of daylight posed the greatest challenge. Amongst other struggles raised were the financial burden of Christmas, the expense of heating in colder months, and unemployment due to seasonal work reliant on warmer weather. “I don’t like them,” one respondent stated, “I’m ready for spring at this point.”

Regardless of how you spent your day, you are now sitting on your bed or your sofa, bundled in blankets, watching the world turn, as the rain falls and the window is covered by a winter mist

The overwhelming consensus of winter as the toughest time of year showcases a deep-seated need for a reframing of winter: from the isolating, cold and wet time of year to its wholesome, cosy and spiritually warming potential.

Picture this: you’ve had a warm, relaxing shower or bubble bath and are cosy in your pyjamas and fluffy socks, bundled in your favourite blanket. Rain rolls (or crashes) outside down the window pane and onto the pavement, its sound soothing your soul as you watch from inside. Maybe you have spent the day at work or university, either in person or remotely. Or perhaps you used the time to finish or create projects you did not have space for in other seasons. Maybe you relaxed and unwound, finally caving and following that chocolate chip cookie recipe – the one that melts in your mouth. Or maybe you had friends over to paint or watch your favourite film.

Regardless of how you spent your day, you are now sitting on your bed or your sofa, bundled in blankets, watching the world turn, as the rain falls and the window is covered by a winter mist. This is winter, romanticised – and it certainly is enjoyable. Being cosy at the end of a rainy day almost feels like a luxury. And this proves that the tide of February does not need to be dull.

My survey found that, overwhelmingly, around 70% of people prefer to “hibernate” rather than stay busy during the last few months of winter, reflecting the need for winter to be a time of rest, relaxation, and reconnection with friends and family

When asked how to make the most of winter, all respondents mentioned maintaining hobbies, low-pressure challenges, and low-effort but wholesome social activities, such as short walks during spurts of sunshine, afternoon baking, cooking dinner with friends and family, and movie nights in. Several candidates stated that they would remain dedicated to small movements of exercise each day (but nothing too drastic) to keep their bodies moving, as winter months can often make us feel sluggish and unmotivated. Others mentioned cooking comfort foods or wholesome foods, such as heart-warming soups or stews. And many respondents suggested that taking up new hobbies – reading, sketching, or crocheting – which don’t demand too much time at once, can make winter days spent inside more fun. My survey found that, overwhelmingly, around 70% of people prefer to “hibernate” rather than stay busy during the last few months of winter, reflecting the need for winter to be a time of rest, relaxation, and reconnection with friends and family.

So what do you think about winter now? Has your perception of it changed? Is it still only damp, dreary and dull? Or does it have the potential to live up to a new reputation: one in which it is a time to reset, refocus, relax and most importantly, reflect?