It feels like I’ve been in hibernation these past few weeks—intentionally so. Visiting museums, quietly reading on my couch, journaling, and chatting with friends. I’ve noticed the daylight quietly fading into night. Wrapped in a stillness that feels like a comforting blanket, I’ve embraced this pause. After the busyness of the holidays and the constant upheaval in the news, I realized I needed this break—a chance to step back and breathe.
For me, slowing down doesn’t mean not doing anything—it’s an active choice to realign with myself and the world around me. Winter, with its quiet beauty, offers us a chance to pause, reflect, and turn inward. It’s a season of stillness, which encourages me to embrace a slower rhythm and reconnect with nature, my thoughts, and my body.
I have also noticed that not only am I craving “stillness” but I am also craving certain types of food. Rather than a cold smoothie, I am drawn toward grounding, hearty, and warming foods. Think of oatmeal, soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and warm spiced teas. I have also noticed, at times, my appetite changes-increased hunger due to my body working harder to maintain warmth, while other times, I may experience a slight decrease due to reduced activity levels. Honoring these shifts means trusting your hunger and fullness cues and remembering that these changes are ok and they might even differ from other times of the year.
By embracing the essence of winter—its need for warmth, rest, and nourishment—I can align eating habits and lifestyle with the rhythms of the season. This not only supports physical health but nurtures emotional and mental well-being, creating a holistic balance that carries into the year ahead.
I am curious, have you noticed any changes in your eating patterns or cravings as you adjust to the rhythm of winter? As a licensed Clinical Behavioral Therapist and Intuitive Eating Counselor, I’m here to help you integrate these practices into your life. If you're interested in working with me, feel free to reach out at rachel@livehealthynyc.com