Winter begins on December 21st (in the northern hemisphere) but already the days are shorter, darker and colder. There are ways to keep our spirits up even when the days feel dark and you feel like everything takes so much more effort.

a park in the cold and fog in the early morning. Time change is hard for mood, spirits and motivation.

Have you ever noticed how the changing seasons seem to whisper directly to your soul? Maybe you've been feeling a bit less productive lately, or perhaps you're catching yourself being a little too hard on yourself about your motivation and mood. Trust me, you're not alone.

As the world outside transforms, our internal landscape shifts too. And here's the beautiful truth: this isn't something to fight against, but an invitation to something deeper.

The Mindset Shift: Turning Inward

What if we started looking at these darker, colder days not as a something to endure, but as a profound opportunity? An invitation to slow down, to get cozy, to let go of the constant hustle and truly connect with ourselves. Could you consider this as an alternative?

I am sharing a few of the practices I use to keep myself grounded and optimistic when everything feels a little drab and dark. And these are just that: practices. They take work, time and patience. But when practiced regularly, they make such a huge impact on my mood, my spirit and my life.

Tip 1: Mindfulness - Your Anchor in Changing Times

If some of this feels a little woo-woo, please stay with me! It took me years to let myself succumb to the yoga teachings and of them, mindfulness has been the most impactful. Mindfulness is like a gentle reset button for your soul. And as simple as it seems, it takes a lot of work. It's about staying present, even when everything around you feels like it's working against you. When the weather gets gloomy, when motivation feels distant, mindfulness brings you back to your body. You can remind yourself that you are fine. Safe. Doing just great. Mindfulness gives you grace.

Try this: Take just three minutes. Close your eyes. Feel the cool air entering your nose. Notice your breath. Don't wish for anything to be different. Just be. Notice the temperature of the air in your nostrils. Feel your ribs expand. And notice the air, warmer now, as it leaves your body.

Tip 2: Movement - Keeping Your Inner Fire Alive

Movement is magic, especially during these darker months. For me, walking with my dog Lady is a lifeline. There's something about bundling up, getting outside, maybe even connecting with a friend during a walking date that just lifts the spirit.

And yoga? It's my ultimate sanctuary. Hot yoga feels like a warm hug when the world outside is cold. No access to a studio? No problem. Create heat from within. A few sun salutations, connecting movement with breath can totally transform your energy. You will feel resistance at first. That’s ok. Just move through it. There is freedom on the other side.

Try this: Ujayi breath (that ocean-like breathing in yoga) is like internal central heating. It warms you from the inside out.

movement like hot yoga in the cold dark month is a soothing practice to lift spirits

Tip 3: Create Cozy Rituals of Self-Care

These are your lifeline during challenging seasons. It’s sort of like romanticizing your life, your routines, your space. My personal faves:

Reading on an e-reader with soft light
Keeping my bedroom cool but my bed impossibly cozy
Keeping AirPods nearby for a midnight Yoga Nidra session when sleep becomes elusive

The Real Secret: Embrace, Don't Resist

What you resist, persists. The more you fight against the season, the harder it becomes. Winter, like all seasons, is temporary. This too shall pass. (I am almost tempted to get this as a tattoo)

But while it's here? Find the beauty. Bundle up. Step outside. Breathe in the crisp air. Notice the subtle magic of bare trees, the way frost catches morning light.

A Final Thought

Seasons change. We change. And that's not just okay - it's beautiful. Your worth isn't measured by your productivity. It's measured by your capacity to be kind to yourself, to find joy in small moments, to keep moving forward.

What's your favorite way to embrace the darker days? Drop a comment below and let's create a little community of seasonal soul-care.

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A Gentle Guide to Darker Days