As the new year begins, an unspoken pressure looms to hit the ground running.

The holidays are over, and the world around us seems abuzz with goals, resolutions, and grand plans. Social media is awash with “New Year, New Me” messages urging us to hustle and achieve. Yet, for some, these dark, cold, and short winter days bring not energy and drive but a sense of stillness—or even fatigue. If you can relate, this message is for you. Instead of pushing forward relentlessly, let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and slow down.

What if we embraced a different approach to the new year—a practice called wintering?

What Is Wintering?

Wintering is the practice of aligning yourself with the natural rhythms of the world around you. Just as the earth rests in winter—allowing soil to lie dormant, trees to shed their leaves, and animals to hibernate—it’s perfectly okay for us as humans to rest, too.

Winter is a season of stillness, quiet, and inward reflection. It’s not a time for frenzied activity or external achievement. Rather, it’s a time to slow down, honor the need for rest, and listen to what your body, mind, and spirit are telling you.

Winter offers a natural invitation to release the constant need for performance and achievement. It’s a season for self-compassion and nurturing rather than chasing external validation. Just as trees let go of their leaves and the earth rests, we too can give ourselves permission to pause.

The Power of Reflection Over Resolution

Many people begin the new year with resolutions—vowing to lose weight, eat better, or take on new projects. While these goals are meaningful, winter may not be the ideal time for drastic changes. Instead, consider shifting your focus from doing to being.

Winter is a time for reflection. It invites us to honor the experiences and lessons of the past year. Take time to sit quietly, journal, or meditate on what truly nourishes you. Ask yourself: What do I need to feel grounded, centered, and at peace? Rather than setting goals that feel forced or overwhelming, use this season to create space for self-awareness and quiet growth.

Trusting the Timing of Your Growth

In our fast-paced world, we often believe that growth must follow a strict timeline—by a certain age, during a particular season, or in sync with societal expectations. Yet nature reminds us that growth is not always visible and doesn’t adhere to rigid schedules.

During the winter months, growth happens quietly beneath the surface. Roots spread, nutrients flow through the earth, and potential builds in unseen ways. Similarly, winter is a time for internal growth, which may not be immediately visible but is no less important.

This year, consider adopting a seasonal approach to personal growth. If you don’t feel the drive for big resolutions or dramatic changes, that’s okay. Trust that even in the quiet and stillness, there is beauty. Just as the earth doesn’t demand flowers and fruit in the dead of winter, we shouldn’t demand constant outward achievement from ourselves.

Spring is coming.

How to Practice Wintering: Tips for Embracing Rest

Honor the Need for Rest
Listen to your body and mind. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt.
Reflect
Take time to journal or meditate. Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown over the past year.
Embrace a Slower Pace
Let go of the pressure to hustle. Focus on small, intentional actions that bring peace.
Reconnect with Nature
Spend time outdoors, even in the cold. Observe the stillness of winter and draw inspiration from it.
Practice Gratitude
Reflect on the blessings in your life and appreciate the quiet moments that winter offers.

By embracing the art of wintering, we align with the natural rhythms of life, giving ourselves space to rest and renew. Remember, growth often begins in stillness, and just as winter leads to spring, this season of rest will prepare you for the energy and opportunities to come.

Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

This blog was written by Kelsey Stout.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

SCHEDULE

VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM @atlwell