Wintering

Wintering: A Time to Rest, Restore, and Listen

Hello everyone (and a warm welcome to my new subscribers),

I am currently exploring the topic of wintering. Wintering is both an old and a newly revived term. Traditionally, it referred to spending the winter somewhere different – for example, “wintering in the sun” to escape colder climates. More recently, it has come to mean something quite different: withdrawing from the outside world, slowing down, and becoming more inward-focused. For the purposes of this post, this is the meaning I'm embracing.

While many people are focused on setting New Year’s resolutions, I look outside and see ice, feel the cold, and, when I truly listen to my body, feel the need to rest and stay warm. To continue to winter. The light is beginning to return, but slowly, and I’d like to suggest that we take our cues from that gentle pace.

I know it’s not popular to take the slow approach. To not rush out and join the nearest gym. To not embark on detox programmes, at least not just yet. Not never, but not right now.

Why would I say that? Well, how do you feel? Do you feel energised and ready to run around after the celebrations of the past few weeks? Or are you feeling a little more sluggish? I include our skin in this reflection too. Many of us are still sleeping longer and more deeply, the true winter sleep. We’re staying cosy at home, allowing the evenings to envelop us, perhaps beside a log fire.

Caring for our skin while wintering

I see our skin as a reflection of the earth. The leaves have fallen and turned to mulch in many gardens, creating a protective layer while the ground continues to slumber. Those leaves also provide shelter for smaller insects and creatures. In much the same way, our skin naturally slows its exfoliation process during winter.

We have become somewhat obsessed with exfoliating, but over-exfoliation can make skin more sensitive and prone to redness. Nature has her own timing and will not be rushed, for any man, woman, or child. Allow those protective skin cells to remain. If you do exfoliate, once per week is plenty, using something very, very gentle.

Dry skin is not only uncomfortable; it can indicate a weakened skin barrier, leading to moisture loss, roughness, and flakiness. This is another reason to be cautious with exfoliation during winter. A heavy cream is not always the answer and may offer only temporary relief. Using a good hydrosol (such as our rose hydrosol) is an important piece of the puzzle. Spray it onto the skin before moisturising or applying Ageless Skin Oil, both of which are best applied to damp skin. This helps lock in moisture and keeps skin feeling hydrated for longer.

A gentle reminder

To recap: allow yourself time to listen to the rhythm of nature. Tune into her cycles so you can better listen to your own. This is still a time for creativity and dreaming, but not for overdoing it. The time will come when we naturally feel like being out all day and night again, so for now, build your reserves and honour this quieter season.

Warmly,

Ruth.