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It's February! Let's Hibernate...

2/1/2018

8 Comments

 
Hey! How are you as you head into February?

Usually, by the time I get to February, I am in complete hibernation mode and not much interested in anything but sleep, comfort food & reading or watching TV. This time, I'm feeling much better than usual, but am still hearing the call to sink into comfort. So if you're feeling the call to hibernate, too, then let's do it! Meet me here and we can hibernate together. I'll put on a pot for tea or hot chocolate.
“In the depths of winter, do you find yourself wanting to sleep more, eat more and curl up by the fire?” -Carol Venolia in MotherEarthLiving.com
If so, you’re not alone. In fact, you are probably more connected than others to our evolutionary past. Your body is sending out a call to hibernate, and it's resonating with you.

Did you know that going into hibernation mode is historical?

Documentation suggests that in the past, specifically, before we became an industrialized society, families holed up together during the winter months? They got a lot of rest, ate, drank, spent quiet time together, and took turns tending the fire.

In our modern-day world, what might winter hibernation look like for those of us who have winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder?

“Recent studies have uncovered hibernation-like physiology in people with SAD.” -Catherine Zandonella in DailyMail.co.uk

Even our carbohydrate cravings and weight gain in winter may be because we’re in hibernation mode.

So those of us who have winter blues may have bodies & brains that give us signals that it’s time to hibernate each winter.

What if you heeded that message? What would that look like in your world, today?

“What if we indulged our inclination to slow down in winter? We’d sleep more and demand less from ourselves. We’d be more inward and reflective.”
-Carol Venolia at MotherEarthLiving.com

If you are a homeschooling mom like me, it may be easier to schedule in this time for rest than it would be for a full-time CEO or say, a congressman.

But if that is what we are being called to do, by winter blues or seasonal affective disorder, then no matter how impossible it seems, our wellbeing may depend on finding a way to answer that call. Make yourself a cup of tea, light a candle and give some thought to how you might be able to carve out this time and space for yourself.

To sleep more, to slow things down, to read and watch movies and curl up by the fire. To lean into the curve, where winter’s concerned.

If you’d like some help with finding a way to do it, click here to schedule a session with me and we’ll talk it through together.
 

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For the next few days, I'll let you know what we'll be diving into this month from our comfy chairs. Even if it's a quieter month, I'll be here with you.

And I really would like to know how you're doing. Are you putting your winter plan into place? How's it going?

Let me know. See you tomorrow!

Love, Jeanine

8 Comments
Samantha link
2/1/2018 06:39:27 pm

I am definitely feeling the winder blues - but mine is becasue of a cold, lol. Howeer, I think people also get into that mode because it's dark when they get up and dark when they go home :( Not much else to do, lol

Reply
Jeanine Byers link
2/1/2018 07:54:25 pm

Oh, I hope you feel better soon!! Take tender care of yourself until it's gone. You're right, darkness is powerful in a negative way for those who need sunlight.When you have winter blues, you need more sunlight than you get during winter, so you're right, that would be a depressing day if you were inside the entire time it was light.

Reply
Alice Gerard link
2/1/2018 11:24:33 pm

This winter, I am finding that I want to create my indoor gardens. I'm painting pictures of flowers and I've adopted some plants. These things give me comfort because they are colorful. I'm also enjoying preparing food and drinking tea and reading. A few daytime naps feel good. I feel as if I am cocooning.

Reply
Jeanine Byers link
2/1/2018 11:50:16 pm

Ooh, cocooning sounds wonderful! I can never handle a lot of color during the winter months. I need soothing quieter colors like ivory or brown. But I love that you are adding it for yourself!

Reply
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA link
2/2/2018 11:47:56 am

I am definitely NOT a hibernating type. Not only because I enjoy the winter, but because this is among our busiest seasons.

Reply
Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2018 12:02:18 pm

I'm so glad you enjoy winter, Roy! I suggest hibernation for those of us who find it hard to enjoy it because of winter blues. Hygge hibernation can help us enjoy it more. Certainly has made this winter a happier one for me!

Reply
Vidya Tiru link
2/2/2018 12:01:27 pm

Here in the Bay Area, we have temperatures in the high 60s /low 70s these past few days (today's high is to be 74), so no hibernating at all..

Reply
Jeanine Byers link
2/2/2018 12:04:45 pm

That's awesome, Vidya! I find that here in GA, winter comes even when it's warmer. We still don't get as much sunlight as we do in the warm season. But I actually once considered moving to California just for the idea you mentioned, that there might be no need to hibernate, but I couldn't sell the idea to my family. :)

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  • Home
  • Blog
    • Facebook Group
  • The Front Porch
    • Meet Jeanine
    • Hygge Lifestyle
    • Contact Jeanine
  • The Cozy Corner
    • The Reading Room >
      • Cozy Reading List
      • Jane Austen Retellings
  • The Tea Room
  • The Closet