I stood in my living room and stared at the bare corner where the tree stood. The decorations are packed away, family and friends have gone home, work schedules have returned to their normal pace and I feel that tinge of sadness that the triple-pack of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve holiday rush is over.
But there’s something else I feel – an even greater sense of refresh, of newness, of the ability to wipe the slate clean, enjoy the rest of the winter season and set a calmer pace for my family.
I want two things from winter – rest and rejuvenation. Winter doesn’t mean we have to hole up and lament the loss of what the rest of the year offers. It’s the perfect window to take a deep breath, try new activities with your family and set goals for the rest of the year.
Here are some intentional ways to enjoy this time of year, both with rest and activities designed to bring out the best in yourself and those around you:
Retreat from screens.
It’s tempting to plug in and shut off the world. Set up screen-free times and spaces in your home. It forces your kids to think outside the box and encourages the adults in your home to engage. Gather at the table for dinner, dust off the board games, or even bundle up and jump on the trampoline. Yes, in the dead of winter. Yes, even mom and dad. (You’d be amazed at the workout, and what the cold, fresh air does for your body and mind.)
Stay moving.
We walk hundreds of miles in our neighborhood during the other three seasons of the year, but brisk, cold walks might actually be my favorite. The Black Hills also offer dozens of hiking trails perfect for winter adventures. Trees, waterfalls, birds; nature offers something different in the winter. Winter walks and hikes can be short and sweet, but just as fulfilling and adventurous as your warm-weather outings.
Get creative.
My husband has a funny campaign in our house called “Let’s not be lazy” and he frequently books a racquetball court or hauls the kids to the local swim center on weeknights. It keeps our family off the
TV and keeps our kids active (and exhausted so they are more likely to go to bed without
a battle).
Write it out.
The first part of the year is the perfect time to start journaling. Especially if you’re prone to the winter blues. Numerous studies have shown that journaling reduces levels of stress and overall levels of depression. Start simple: write once a day to organize your thoughts, prioritize problems or express gratitude.
Set up Sleep.
pattern healthy sleep cycles now and get to bed earlier. You’ll notice how it affects your day. There’s something beautiful about the sun going down earlier and the fact that the days are shorter. It’s a natural way to get your body back on a healthy sleeping rhythm.
Set expectations.
Look at your calendar. You know it’s coming – the annual commitments, the asks, the needs of your family, your job, your community. Hit pause now and settle on what is important. Block out times you’re protecting for daily or weekly rest, time with your family or vacations. You’re more likely to resist the pressure to say YES to everything when you have already decided what is off the table.