Why Winter is a Good Time to Slow Down.

Blue in Yellow by tlindenbaum

Well Christmas is over, with all of its lights, fanfare and celebration. One last party to go on New Year’s Eve. Then it’s back to the daily grind and our normal routine. It’s a great time to slow down your hectic pace and take some time for yourself. Winter is the ideal time of year to reflect on our current path. With the early nights, cloudy weather and chill in the air, it’s a perfect opportunity to relax in the warmth and security of your home while you evaluate your life.

Use this extra time indoors to do more inner reflection. Start a new activity like journaling, meditation, Yoga, or another stress-relieving activity. Eliminate any unnecessary commitments and take a “winter break.” Start slowly if you need to, by simply scheduling in a 2-hour weekly vacation. Take the time to do something just for you. Visit the local park for a quiet walk, read a leisurely book, or take a nap.

Slowing down from your busy life works best when you do it daily. Give yourself 15 minutes of quiet every day - even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom to get it! Time alone is especially important for anyone who is overworked. You need that time to slow down your heartbeat and breathing, and calm your racing thoughts. Most people start to realize what an energy boost it is to do nothing for just 15 minutes a day. Those short few minutes help you feel rested and invigorated.

From there you can start looking for additional ways to add more downtime to your day. Look for opportunities when you’re restless. That’s a good sign you’d rather be doing something else. Delegate more chores to the kids, leave your work at the office, and cut down your Internet time. Freeing up even a half-hour a day can result in fantastic changes in your life.

With that half-hour you can simply relax. Listen to some soothing music, read a self-help book, take a short walk, learn acupressure for those headache hotspots, or simply write out a plan to tackle those tasks you’ve been putting off. Use the extra time to focus on yourself, to get organized and reconnect with your spirit. Your body and mind will thank you for it.