There’s something about that late-December energy that hits differently. Busyness ramps up for the holidays, but then there’s a drop-off in between Christmas and the New Year—that pocket when anticipation of the unexpected has us feeling slightly on edge.
To ease through this transition, we encourage everyone to truly winter. Yes, it’s a verb now.
The solstice is the universe’s invitation to slow your roll, turn inward, and refill the tank you’ve been running on since, oh…last March. Think of it as the cosmic “soft launch” into a season of rest, clarity, and low-key magic.
Whether you’re craving calm, more energy, or just a little ritual to make the darkest days feel more intentional and less doom-scroll-y, use these 11 practices as your blueprint for wintering well.
Put your hands around a hot cuppa, and take five deep belly breaths. Not coffee—something gentle. Think: adaptogenic hot cocoa, tulsi tea, or a magnesium latte. Sip slowly, and don’t scroll. It hits your nervous system like a weighted blanket. You can do this any time of day, from the second you wake up to an hour before bed.
Get yourself a special candle you light only when you need a reset or to call something in. The scent will start to train your brain into believing everything is safe, hopeful, and that abundance is flowing to you. Start this on the solstice to give yourself an ideal season of growth and personal nourishment.
3. Five-Minute “Snow Globe” Meditation
Imagine your mind as a snow globe. Thoughts swirling? Shake it, set it down, and watch the flakes settle in your mind’s eye. Once it’s settled, set it (on the proverbial shelf) and forget it. That’s just five minutes to instant calm.
4. Nighttime Oil Anointing
Warm a few drops of face oil and press it slowly into your face, neck, and chest with your eyes closed. Treat it like a mini winter prayer while you let out a few long exhales.
We love using Surya Balancing Face Oil for this ritual. It’s basically liquid gold, packed with Ayurvedic botanicals like neem, brahmi, and red sandalwood bark, plus 48 other perfectly dosed nutrients extracted using three traditional Ayurvedic methods. The high botanical and lipid content makes it deeply moisturizing, fast-absorbing, and especially revitalizing for dull, tired winter skin.
You can also massage your favorite body oil into your feet each night before slipping on thick, cozy socks. This deeply tender moment of self-love and compassion shifts you straight into a restorative parasympathetic mode.
One hour before bed, dim your lights, and switch your phone to grayscale or the red tint. Winter is the season of hibernation, and this is the perfect way to honor it.
Before even thinking of touching caffeine, get outside for actual daylight, even if it’s cloudy. It’s rocket fuel for your circadian rhythm, hydrates your cells, and helps beat the seasonal slump.
Drop grapefruit, orange, or lemon essential oils in a diffuser. Citrus is like energetic jumper cables for a groggy mind.
8. The “Winter Shake-Out”
Stand up, and shake your arms, legs, shoulders, and jaw like you’re shaking off bad vibes…or that guy that ghosted you. It resets stagnation while boosting lymphatic flow and circulation—all in 30 seconds.
9. Afternoon Ginger Shot Ritual
All you need is fresh ginger (juiced or a half teaspoon of ginger powder), a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of cayenne. It’s fiery, metabolism-stimulating, and doubles as an immune system pick-me-up.
10. Warm Bath + Ice Water Foot Dip
Soak your body, and then dip your feet in cold water for 10 to 20 seconds. It’s relaxing, energizing, and insanely good for circulation.
11. Winter Journaling Prompt
The solstice is the perfect time to practice visualization for the coming year. Think of a goal or project you want to achieve or tackle, and imagine it going perfectly.
What does perfect look like to you? Maybe it’s a new job or redecorating your living space. Spare no detail, and let your mind get into a flow state.
We love reaching for the Therapy Journal here. Created by expert therapists, it’s designed to help you organize your thoughts—whether you’re preparing for a session, reflecting afterward, or just giving your inner world a little more structure during the slower winter months.
You’re cutting down on screen time while planting seeds for the future. Wintering, mastered.
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