The one thing I’m focusing on this winter

Here’s what I’m learning about staying true to myself right now. I’m in the middle of prepping and delivering my program Come Home to Yourself and that requires being very focused on what needs doing—and letting anything that is not a must fall to the wayside.

I choose to maintain my weekly blog rhythm and offer value to my readers while staying true to myself and what my body needs. That means being strategic about how I use my time and energy. So this week, I’m sharing wisdom from my book Radiant about working WITH your natural rhythms instead of against them.

We’re tied to (or perhaps I should say part of) nature. Even though we forget most of the time. The rhythm of the seasons impacts us—whether we realize it or not. Whether we want to or not.

We naturally have less energy in winter when there is less sunlight. Something you may have noticed in your own energy level. If you’re feeling more tired, keep in mind that it’s not you—it’s the season.

Strengthen your foundation

Winter calls for an inward focus. Remember, we are tied to nature. In winter, trees slow down their sap flow, slowly growing their roots underground, preparing for spring. That’s what we should do, too. Winter is a great time for reflection. To pause and stand still; to con- template where you are in your life. Get clear on what you appreciate, what is missing. Then act accordingly.

Winter is also a perfect time to work on structural foundation, just like the trees that are growing their roots beneath the surface. Take a moment to look at where you can strengthen your foundation so that when the growth happens in spring, you are ready for it.

Instead of depleting yourself and keeping going as if you have the same amount of energy as in summer, be strategic and listen to your body. Let it show you when you need a break (or more sleep). When you do, you’ll arrive in spring rested and ready for that growth spurt.

Flow with the season

I spoke to a dear friend this week and she mentioned she was not as happy—not as enthusiastic—as she normally is. She sought reasons for this in external factors, but I could see it originated from doing too much relative to the amount of energy available to us in winter.

I know it can be tempting to push through and keep ticking things off of your to-do list. But it’s an illusion that you’ll get more done when you keep going. Remember, skipping your lunch break lowers your productivity. The same principle applies here. Ignoring winter’s rhythm depletes your energy. As a result, you won’t be ready for the spring surge.

Give yourself permission to do less right now. That’s’ exactly what will allow you to do more later. Honoring both the season and your body’s limits is what will get you the furthest.

Taking a walk outside is a great pause as well as a way to get some much-needed daylight—even when it’s gray and rainy. (Sometimes I have to talk myself out the door when it’s pouring with rain. But I’m always glad I did.)

Take an energy inventory

As part of strengthening your foundation, I invite you to take a look at one of the core elements of living a healthy happy, productive life: your energy level.

How solid is that foundation? Do you end the majority of days with plenty of energy to spare? Or do you often operate on fumes?

I developed a simple but powerful tool to track your energy level. This gives you great insights into what costs and brings you energy.

You can download it here for free.

Building sustainable energy that lasts beyond winter starts with awareness—seeing clearly where your foundation is strong and where it needs support. Download the energy inventory and track your patterns for one week. That clarity is what makes everything else possible.

Iris van Ooyen guides people home to themselves. As a life transformation mentor with 20+ years of experience, she offers hope with a compass—helping you find your way back to who you truly are when life’s demands have made you lose touch with yourself. She’s the author of Radiant: How to Have All the Energy You Need to Live a Life You Love. Contact Iris to come home to yourself—and love your life again. 

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