Winter’s Still Here... and So Is Your Need for Rest (Seriously, You Deserve It)

Because who needs hibernation when you can have cozy nights, nourishing food, and a good old-fashioned emotional meltdown in the shower?

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The Winter Blues Are Real—And So Are My Workday Struggles

There are days when my 9-5 feels like an act of heroism. Days when the thought of trudging into the office feels like I’m preparing for battle. You know, the kind of battle where you’re armed with nothing but coffee and an unhealthy level of cynicism. As I write this, it’s February in Northern Wisconsin, and the daily high is a blistering -4 degrees (seriously, what is this, Antarctica?). The sun is out, shining like it’s about to solve all my problems, but the second I step outside, it feels like my eyeballs have entered an icy deathmatch.

Now, if I had the financial freedom to hibernate for the entire month of February (because let's be real, I deserve it), I’d be at home, wrapped in blankets, sipping hot drinks, and ignoring every single responsibility like a grown-up toddler. But alas, that’s not my reality. So here we are, trudging through winter like the champions we are.

How to Survive the Workday When You Just Can’t Even

When work feels like a slow, soul-sucking slog (hello, winter!), finding ways to center yourself can mean the difference between getting through the day without throwing your computer out the window and... well, throwing your computer out the window. Here are some gasp life-saving tips:

1. Take Mini Breaks to Recharge
   Yes, I know—you're not supposed to leave your desk. But let’s be real, your brain is already in vacation mode, so take a break. Go for a quick walk (because those 10 steps to the break room count, right?), stretch like a contortionist at your desk, or even step outside for a few seconds—if you can survive the arctic winds. (I personally enjoy restocking the snack area for no reason at all. #LivingTheDream)
   

2. Breathe Like You’re Meditating (but Without the Calm)
   Deep breathing? Yeah, that sounds so simple, it’s borderline annoying. But listen, it works. Try box breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. It’s like tricking your brain into thinking you’re calm, even if you’re secretly fantasizing about quitting and starting a goat farm.
   

3. Practice Mindfulness (Even During Boring Tasks)
   Mindfulness is just a fancy word for "stop stressing over everything, idiot." Try being present in whatever task you're doing—yes, even if it's the most mind-numbing task in the world (hello, spreadsheets). Focus on your breathing, your body’s weird little tics, and pretend that filing this paper actually matters.
   

4. Declutter Your Desk (or Just Look Busy)
   Clutter = chaos, and chaos = stress. Or at least that’s what the internet tells me. Clean up your desk, organize your files, or just pretend you’re doing something important while rearranging your stapler for the 12th time. It’ll make you feel productive, even if you’re just stalling for time.
   

5. Set Tiny, Achievable Goals (aka Fake It Till You Make It)
   If you’re like me, you love setting goals but have the attention span of a goldfish. Instead of tackling your to-do list like a superhero, break things down into bite-sized chunks. Maybe it’s organizing your emails, maybe it’s finishing a report, or maybe it’s just getting through the day without crying. Whatever works.
   

6. Rock Out to Music or Podcasts
   If you’re lucky enough to be in an office where they allow headphones, thank the heavens. Put on some calming tunes, or better yet, listen to a podcast about wellness, self-care, or your latest obsession with conspiracy theories. The right podcast can turn a 3-hour meeting into a personal TED Talk.
   

7. Gratitude: It’s Not Just for Instagram Posts
   Yeah, I know, gratitude journaling sounds like something you’re only supposed to do when you’re on a retreat in Bali. But hear me out: take a moment to be grateful for the stuff that doesn’t make you want to scream. Maybe it’s your boss who lets you leave early or your coworker who always brings in donuts. Whatever it is, it’s better than spiraling into a pit of despair.
   

8. Mind Your Posture (Because Slouching Is a Lifestyle)
   Let’s be honest: when you’re bored, you want to slump into your chair like a sad sack of potatoes. But sitting up straight and pretending like you care can actually make you feel a little more alive. So suck in that gut, straighten your spine, and sit like you’re trying to impress someone for once.
   

9. Create a Positive Affirmation for the Day (Like a Self-Talk Hack)
   If all else fails, fake it. Start your day with an affirmation like, “I am capable of handling whatever mess comes my way,” or “Today, I choose to ignore the existential dread.” Repeat it throughout the day like you’re channeling your inner guru.
   

When You’re Home, But Still Not at Peace

Okay, so the workday is over, but now you’re dealing with the emotional fallout of your sluggish brain. Winter’s grip is real, and it doesn’t let up, but here’s what really works when you need a break from your life (without actually taking a month off like I wish I could):

1. Self-Care is a Thing (Even if You Don’t Have Time for It)
   Winter is basically the official season of self-care. Schedule a cozy moment where you sip tea, read a book, or bathe like the glamorous human you are. Even 10 minutes is a win.
   

2. Fuel Your Body with Whole Foods (Because Comfort Food Is Life)
   Winter = soup season. Feed your body with hearty, nutrient-rich foods that’ll make you feel like a superhero. Root vegetables, stews, and bone broth are your best friends right now. Yes, comfort food does help with emotional health—don’t @ me.
   

3. Get Outside (Without Dying)
   I get it. It’s cold. It’s miserable. But stepping outside for a few minutes—just long enough for your face to freeze—will actually help. Get that Vitamin D, even if it’s through 2 seconds of squinting at the sun.
   

4. Delegate Your Life Away
   Ask for help. Seriously. Get your spouse to handle some of the chores, delegate family responsibilities, and lighten your load so you can Netflix and nap like a pro.
   
   

5. Rest Like a Champion
   The art of mindful rest is a lost skill in this modern age of hustling. Skip the productivity grind for one night, go to bed early, and let your body do its thing. Recharge for the next round of “adulting.”
   

6. Stay Cozy (Because You Deserve It)
   If you’re not wrapped in a blanket right now, what are you even doing with your life? Stay warm, snuggle up in cozy clothes, light a candle, and create a sanctuary that’ll make you forget you have responsibilities. Even if it’s just for a few hours.
   

7. Connect with Others (Or Just Pretend You’re Not Alone)
   Winter is isolating. Text a friend. Call a loved one. Chat about nothing. It’ll make the cold feel a little more bearable when you know someone else is probably freezing too.
   

8. Gratitude Again (You’re Welcome)
   Yeah, you’re sick of hearing it, but taking a moment to list out what you’re grateful for can really shift your mindset. It doesn’t have to be profound—maybe it’s that cup of tea or the fact that your heating bill isn’t completely out of control.
   

As I stated before, I would love to hunker down for a month to rest and restore—and that’s exactly what your body wants to do during these times. But let’s be real, we can’t just get stuck there. Life keeps marching on, bills keep coming in, kids keep knocking on the door while you’re hiding out in the shower (don’t act like it hasn’t happened), and the list of things that need attention seems never-ending.

But here’s what I do love to do: I nourish my body with foods that fuel my mind, body, and soul, journal out my emotions and thoughts (because, apparently, bottling it all up is so 1990s), and use my red light therapy to mimic the sun, since actually getting outside when the temps dip that low is basically a form of self-torture. If I do venture outside, I’m so bundled up that not a speck of flesh is exposed for the sun to hit. Ah, the joys of winter.

And then there’s rest—oh, rest. It’s seriously underappreciated. But hear me out: go to bed earlier. Let your body rest and restore so it’s ready to take on those long, warm days ahead. It’s like hitting the refresh button for your soul.

Make time to connect with your loved ones—have a cozy movie night wrapped in blankets with a comforting, nourishing meal. If you’ve got a fireplace, snuggle up by it for a night of cards or board games (I can practically hear the laughter). Winter’s cold and dark days naturally draw us toward rest and relaxation, as our bodies shift into a slower, more restorative mode. Our internal rhythms signal the need to conserve energy, recharge, and nourish ourselves with the love of hearty, nutrient-dense foods. It’s nature’s cycle, y’all—so embrace it!

We don’t hibernate like animals (though, wouldn’t that be nice?), but we do experience a natural energy shift, requiring extra rest and nourishment to balance our health during these months. Self-care during winter isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. So, listen to your body. Take it easy, stay cozy, and indulge in the self-care you deserve.

With a few simple tweaks in your routine, you’ll weather this winter with a little more ease. Do any of these resonate with you? Share in the comments what you’re going to try, and how it works out for you. Let’s get through this together!

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