8 soulful practices for surviving winter

Last week I posted this simple question/poll on my Instagram account (@annakettlewrites): Is it too early for eating an Easter egg with your cup of tea and book? (After all, that was what I was doing at the time of my posting!)

Well, a massive 95% responded to say that ‘no’ - early February was definitely not too early, so there you have it friends! My not-so-scientific research study seems to suggest that most of us are feeling the need to embrace all the goodness we can find to focus on right now.

It’s been another really long, hard winter, hasn’t it? And silly social media polls aside, all this has got me reflecting on some of the soulful practices that have been getting me through these past wintry weeks.

So as we approach this final slog through February before those long awaited spring days break through the grey, it feels like we need to grab all the joy we can possibly lay our hands on to help get us through.

Here’s a few of the everyday soulful practices that are helping me to move beyond surviving into thriving the most…

1. Chocolate

As I already alluded to above, chocolate is my ‘jam’, my go-to pick me up, and my favourite comfort food.

Now is not the time to skimp on simple pleasures like chocolate (especially the egg variety, as it’s a reminder of the promise of better, brighter days ahead). Of course, your thing may not be chocolate, but you get the point.

Embrace the little joys.

2. Walking in nature

Not only because moving is important, but so is beauty too - and although I tend to be a fan of the warmer weather this winter I’ve been (re)-discovering that there’s so much beauty in the winter season too. Especially on those days when I look up and notice the sky.

Getting outdoors and looking up always helps me to shift my perspective to a more hopeful one. Even behind the greyest clouds there are usually still glimmers of light and beauty tucked away somewhere behind them.

So why not try it? Aim to get outside, even if just for a few moments every day.

3. Reading books…

As a writer, I have long been a fan of reading too. But I find myself reading more books than ever in these pandemic winter times. I’m currently reading ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May. Topical, I know…

Reading is so good for us - it expands the mind and improves our concentration. It can broaden our knowledge, our perspective, and our horizons.

I know that some people say reading isn’t for them, but honestly, I think that means they just haven’t found the right kind of genre or book for them yet.

My advice? Join a book club. Make it less solitary & have a go at reading some books outside of your comfort zone.

4. Choosing celebration

This week my son Ben turns 7 so it’s big celebrations in our house, but I’ve also been trying to practice celebration in lots of smaller ways too.

What are we choosing to celebrate lately? The weekend’s arrival with a special friday night take away treat, and Saturday mornings with pancakes for breakfast. But also those small wins at work or school, or even just being alive on a regular Tuesday!

When life is hard - who says you need a ‘hard’ reason for a little joy anyway?

5. Drinking tea.

I have always been a coffee lover, and I still am at heart. Give me a coffee shop and some good conversation, any day of the week.

But this past winter I have also found myself developing a new taste for ALL the loose leaf teas; black, fruit, white, green, herbal, caffeine-free…

Who knew that there could be so much joy and excitement to be found in brewing a little pot?

6. Tentatively planning a holiday

This past week we’ve been tentatively planning our first summer holiday abroad, after more than two years of being landlocked on this small island we call home.

We haven’t actually booked any flights just yet, but even just contemplating the possibilities for this summer feels incredible to me; it truly is hope for a weary soul.

It doesn’t need to be a holiday abroad, but we all need something to look forwards to right? So lets dare to dream and start to risk making plans again…

7. Chasing light

This winter I’ve also found myself chasing the light in any way I can. I’ve hung more fairy lights, bought new house lamps, kept the christmas decorations out for longer, and lit more candles than ever before. Even in the middle of an ordinary working day.

When the days are dark and the nights are long, it all helps, it all counts, and it’s all about welcoming the light in, in any way that we can.

8. Reconnecting with friends

Over these past weeks, I’ve seen a number of people that I haven’t connected with in quite a while, and a few who I’ve not been able to see at all since the pandemic began. And it feels so good!

After two years of mostly disconnection sometimes the organising alone feels dauting or draining. But then I do it and it always life-giving and well worth the effort.