Wintering: Practical Ways to Support Your System in the Low-Light Season
In Canada, January isn’t just a month on the calendar; it is a physical experience. The shorter days, the lack of sunlight, and the biting cold aren’t just inconveniences; they have a direct impact on your biology. When the environment slows down, your nervous system often follows suit.
In therapy, we call this “Wintering.” It’s the practice of acknowledging that we aren’t meant to operate at 100% capacity all year round. Trying to force “summer energy” in the middle of a Toronto winter is a quick path to burnout.
🧠 The Biology of the Slump
When light levels drop, our brains produce more melatonin (which makes us sleepy) and less serotonin (which helps regulate mood). This isn’t a flaw; it’s a rhythmic response to our environment.
To work with your system instead of against it, try these grounded shifts:
Honour the Slow Down: If you find yourself needing more sleep or craving quieter evenings, notice if there is a “voice” telling you that you’re being lazy. Remind yourself that your system is simply matching the season. This is a form of proactive self-care.
Strategic Light Exposure: Since we can’t change the sunset, try to get 10 minutes of natural light as close to sunrise as possible. This helps “anchor” your internal clock and supports your mood throughout the day.
Check-In with Your Body (Interoception): When the cold makes us hunch our shoulders or grit our teeth, our nervous system stays on high alert. Check in several times a day. Can you drop your shoulders? Can you soften your jaw? This tells your brain that even if it’s cold outside, you are safe inside.
✨ Resilience Through Softness
Wintering is about flexibility. It’s about being okay with a season of “less” so that you have the internal resources to bloom again when the light returns. By tending to your physical needs now, you are building the foundation for long-term health.
📣 Ready to Lean In?
If the winter slump feels heavier than usual this year, you don’t have to push through it alone. Whether you’re in the Junction neighbourhood or joining virtually from across Canada, let’s talk about how to support your system through the dark.
⚖️Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Learn more at interocare.ca
