Winter Reset: 12 Ways to Recharge Mind, Body, and Soul
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When I was a kid growing up in frigid New England, winter was just something I got used to. I didn’t appreciate it then, but my parents crafted a home that leaned into the winter season, rather than resisting it’s fury. This practice of Seasonal Living allowed us to take a much needed rest, a Winter Reset.
Table of Contents
Winter Reset and Seasonal Living
Seasonal Living is a lifestyle, practiced by many living organisms, that entails slowing down to the pace of the environment in relation to the seasons. It also involves being sustained by food sources available in a particular season.
While humans can’t hibernate yet, slowing down in winter is a natural response to the environment.
Bears aren’t the only creatures that hibernate. Many animals hibernate naturally, including amphibians and reptiles. They decrease their metabolic rate, heart rate, and body temperature to conserve energy during cold months when food is scarce.
Even trees do it and it is called “Dormancy”. They will drop their leaves and fruit during fall to prepare for the cold winter. This help conserve energy and water. The tree is alive, but not growing during winter–it is “sleeping”. Essentially many living organisms “slow down” their functions to survive the harsh conditions.
For humans, it is a change to productivity and mood that comes with the cold weather. Naturally, humans will slow down and and have less energy due to fewer days with sunlight. Winter invites us to slow down, and embracing that is key to thriving.
Over time, many humans have learned to adapt to this “slowing down” with what we now call a winter reset. In modern times, it’s a time to slow down and reflect on the year.
Many people take this time to plan ahead for the Spring, when nature awakens again. This is a time to pay more attention to oneself, be mindful, and nourish all the parts that make you, YOU!
In this article I will give you ideas for how to get the most out of Seasonal Living with examples of Winter Reset.
Winter Reset for Your MIND: Numbers 1-3
I moved to Florida in my 20s and was blissfully ignorant of snow shovels and below-zero mornings. I swapped blizzards for palm trees and thought I’d escaped forever. I quickly enjoyed flipflops and t-shirts all year long.
In fact, I even gave away all my wool sweaters! But life had other plans.
In my 30s I lived in upstate New York for a few years. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) hit me like a frozen brick. Those long, gray months? They’ll test your will to get out of bed.
Eventually, I decided enough was enough. Instead of resisting winter, I learned to embrace it. Here’s how to embrace your inner winter warrior and survive the season—whether you love it or loathe it. Set yourself up for successful days with these ideas for Mindful rituals:
1. Practice Mindful Winter Rituals
- Instead of rushing to turn on the news (or scrolling social media), practice this gradual wake up routine:
- light a candle, see my post on Switch to Non Toxic Candles for Cleaner Living
- brew tea,
- play soothing, but high frequency music,-I found this on You Tube, and it made a big difference in my daily mood.
- face the rising sun for 7 minutes to set your circadian rhythm. If you live in the North, I recommend the Verilux Happy Light for light therapy every morning.
- set daily intentions with positive affirmations you read aloud,
- do a few light stretches-just to get moving,
- breathe-deep breathing exercises help set the nervous system for the day
- Other mindful habits to adopt in the winter reset:
- journaling,
- meditating,
- vision board, create or review
- personal development,
- brain exercises to stay sharp,
- Mindful practices for bedtime routine:
- gratitude journal-three entries every night before bed
- journal to release any worries,
- do a body scan,
- meditate,
- diaphragm breathing exercises,
2. Take a Digital Detox
According to these statistics, the Average Screen Time for adults in America, per day is 7 hours and 3 minutes. Excess screen time, whether computer or phone, can be detrimental to us because the more time we spend on our devices, the less time we are doing essential activities like sleep, exercise, creativity, schoolwork, or social interactions.
Limit screen time in the evenings to reduce overstimulation. Instead, read a book, enjoy a craft, or simply bask in the stillness. Let’s be real: hours of doom scrolling won’t make winter pass faster, and can even make us have negative feelings of ourselves.
Unplugging, even for an evening, can reset your brain and help you appreciate the quiet beauty of winter. Swap screens for a book or write in a journal. Go to your Winter Sanctuary Spot and engage with what it was intended for. Check out this post on “Create the Ultimate Winter Sanctuary at Home”, and make a space for yourself. You will be amazed how restorative it can be!
3. Declutter and Simplify Your Space
Use the slower pace of winter to clear out physical and mental clutter. A tidy environment can enhance your sense of peace and readiness for the new year. Use natural cleaners and toxin-free candles to reduce indoor pollutants while creating a calming atmosphere for winter hibernation.
I add live plants to my home for the winter season. Not only do they help remove toxins from the stale, winter air, but they can enhance mood. Bring nature indoors in other ways too when you create your Winter Sanctuary.
Winter is nature’s time to pause and reset, so why not do the same in your home? Use those long evenings to tackle one small decluttering project. Clear out the junk drawer, sort through your closet, or finally organize that stack of magazines.
When your space feels lighter, so do you. It’s a way of letting go of the old to make room for the new. I challenge you to declutter two spaces this winter.
Winter Reset for Your BODY: Numbers 4-8
Now it’s time to discuss Wellness Tips for a Restorative Winter and how to replenish that energy and wellness for your body. There are a few simple practices to begin this winter that will help you.
4. Adopt a Nourishing Winter Diet
Incorporate the following seasonal foods if you can source them.
- root vegetables like carrots, beets,
- squashes, pumpkin–Read this post about the many health benefits of pumpkin
- warming spices such as cinnamon and ginger to support digestion and immunity
- hearty soups,
- citrus,
- berries,
- foods high in vitamin D,
- legumes,
- leafy vegetables,
In today’s society, we can get many foods all year long from grocery stores, like oranges from Florida or Mangoes from Mexico. But if you are only buying from local markets and farmstands, then chances are you are eating seasonal fruits and vegetables. Therefore, be sure to incorporate the vitamins and minerals from berries and citrus even though they may not be available to you in your region.
I used to treat winter like an excuse to eat everything in sight. But after feeling sluggish and tired every January, I realized that comfort food doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. Winter foods like root vegetables, squashes, and hearty soups can nourish your body and keep you energized. This is a great time to heal problem areas and come out stronger in Spring!
One area I have focused on healing this year is my gut. Leaky gut is a real problem for thousands of people. There are many reasons our gut lining can become compromised. Once it is, nasty toxins can cross into our blood and may cause chronic conditions.
There are ways to begin the healing process of the gut lining. First, remove processed foods and limit sugar and alcohol.
Second, try any of the suggestions in this article, “The Leaky Gut Diet Plan: What to Eat, What to Avoid”.
I found drinking bone broth everyday has helped me repair my gut flora. It’s warm and delicious, and has many benefits, including anti-inflammation. Read more in this article, “Bone Broth: What It Does to Your Body”.
I prefer buying chicken Organic Bone Broth by Pacific on Amazon. Simple pour 6-8 ounces in a cup and heat to your preference. Season if needed and drink daily.
Buy Now → 
If you are looking for more tasty ways to get nutrients and fiber from vegetables into your diet this winter, then try this Pumpkin apple cider Fizz.
Recipe is on this post : 7 Simple Pumpkin Drinks to Love
Lean into warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. They’re not just delicious; they also boost circulation and make your home smell like a cozy haven.
Check out this post I wrote about using spices as a Natural Home Fragrance.
5. Prioritize Restorative Sleep
Align your sleep schedule with longer nights by winding down earlier. Seasonal sleeping is something to pay attention to. Create a sleep routine and practice sleep hygiene. When the days are short and the nights are long, your body is naturally primed for more sleep.
But modern life? It doesn’t care about seasonal rhythms. I used to fight the urge to go to bed early, thinking I needed to “power through.” Big mistake.
Instead, honor your body’s need for rest. Wind down earlier, and create a bedtime routine that feels indulgent: soft lighting, toxin-free candles, and a good book. Think of it as a mini-hibernation each night. Bonus: getting quality sleep can also help stave off SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder) symptoms.
The average adult needs 7 hours of sleep a night. Research shows that women get more deep sleep than men, but overall the quality of sleep is poor. Read this article by the Sleep Foundation to learn why.
6. Practice Gentle Movement
Our muscles can tense up with the colder months, as we attempt to stay warmer by keeping limbs close and tucked into our bodies. We may be more sedentary in the winter because we are experiencing SAD and it just feels to cold to get outdoors and exercise.
This is when it is important to find a warm stretching routine to practice daily. Try yoga, tai chi, or stretching to promote circulation without overexerting yourself.
Make the space cozy and warm so you are more inclined to start.
7. Get Outdoors in the Daylight
I know, it’s cold, it’s gray, and the last thing you want to do is leave the house. But trust me, getting outside during daylight hours is a game-changer. When I lived in upstate New York, a 15-minute walk on a sunny (or at least not entirely overcast) day would do wonders for my mood.
Take short walks to soak up sunlight for a natural mood boost and improved circadian rhythm. Bundle up to stay comfortable in the cold. if walking isn’t your thing, then go outside and play or do something active, like shoveling.
Sunlight, even in winter, helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin. Bundle up in your warmest coat, grab a thermos of tea, and take a stroll.
The circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock. It is influenced by light, dark, stress, food, sleep and more. Keeping it on a schedule is best for overall health and wellness. Abnormal circadian rhythms can be linked to multiple chronic illnesses.
Introducing bright light to your brain through your eyes, first thing int he morning, can help set the circadian rhythm. I try to face the rising sun daily for 5 mins. If you don’t have sunlight in the morning, like in the winter months, then grab a Verilux Happy Light. here you see my sister, who lives in Vermont, using her therapy light as it delivers UV-free, LED, full-spectrum light for effective, safe, and natural light therapy that’s free from glares, flickering, and hotspots.
Buy Now → 8. Hydrate with Intention
This might sound counterintuitive in the cold months, but winter dehydration is real. The dry air from heaters sucks the moisture right out of your skin and body. I used to rely on endless cups of coffee to “warm up,” only to feel even drier and crankier later.
It’s easy to skip water when you’re not sweating, but staying hydrated is just as important in winter. Here are a few ways to hydrate intentionally this winter:
- Make your water more interesting and tasty by adding sliced cucumber, blueberries, oranges, or any fruit! The natural flavors will make it easier to get your fluids, and the fruits will add vitamins.
- I started using this non-toxic, glass water bottle as away to help me drink more. It has a sturdy handle and comes with many accessories, including a time marker on the glass.
- Swap coffee for green tea with ginger and lemon. Not only do they hydrate, but they also support your immune system and feel like a cozy treat. Learn more about the health benefits of green tea in this article, Spring Into Green Tea: Sip Your Way To Radiance.
Buy Now → Winter Reset for Your SOUL: Numbers 9-12
A winter reset on your soul is a sense of spiritual connection. This is a time to reconnect with others, practice gratitude, and rediscover yourself. Make time to really know your purpose. Get clear on your goals and poised for decisiveness. Share love.
Embrace Mindful Winter Rituals. Start journaling, meditating, or enjoying slow mornings with a warm beverage like Organic Bone Broth or herbal tea. Refer back to #1 for more ideas.
9. Create a Cozy Winter Sanctuary
Transform a room or nook into a calming retreat with warm lighting, soft blankets, and natural elements like plants or wooden decor.
Winter survival begins at home. Your living space should feel like a warm hug the moment you walk in. Think of it as your den for human hibernation.
Be inspired by these small, easy DIY, winter sanctuaries in THIS post. They are a great way to incorporate winter into the home, with a touch of warmth.
A cozy sanctuary doesn’t need to be an entire house overhaul. Start small with a nook or corner you can claim as your own.
10. Reconnect with Yourself and Loved Ones
Winter is a perfect time to strengthen bonds through meaningful conversations, shared meals, or cozy movie nights.
Togetherness matters. Snowstorms are the great equalizer because suddenly, everyone’s home. Use it as an excuse to reconnect with family or friends. Whether it’s a board game, a homemade dinner, or a good old-fashioned movie night, these moments warm more than just your hands.
In today’s modern world, we can even connect virtually. While it may not be the best way to enjoy friends and family, this will suffice if we are far away.
So, make those plans and stick to them. Add them to your calendar as something to look forward to. Socialization is important for mental health.
Connect with your inner self by meditating or journaling. Listen to your emotions, and allow for creative expression. Pay attention to your inner thoughts and self talk. These things will help you be more decisive and confident.
11. Engage in a Creative Hobby
Use the quieter season to explore a hobby like knitting, painting, or baking. Creative activities can reduce stress and foster a sense of accomplishment. Creative hobbies give your mind a break and help you rediscover joy in the little things
I like to take art classes during the winter months. Art is a wonderful indoor activity! There’s something magical about picking up a creative hobby during the quiet months of winter.
Also, I love crocheting and have made beautiful gifts for people with this hobby. it’s the kind of hobby you can do with other, or alone. it’s a quiet activity, or can be done while the TV is on in the background.
12. Practice Self Care
Finally, the most important way to have a successful winter reset, is to give yourself more care.
Self Care means different things to everyone. These are the different types of Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social, Spiritual.
It could be as simple as incorporating daily habits and routines like we discussed earlier. For me, it is Personal. I choose to give myself more rest and self care.
Rest doesn’t have to mean sleeping. Rest can be lounging, doing nothing or something requiring low energy.
Whatever it is, make it something to replenish your soul.
When my second baby was born, I didn’t have time for my definition of self care. Let’s face it, I was in survival mode most of the time!
I did my best to get sleep, eat well, and exercise, but doing everything in this article was nearly impossible back then.
So if you are feeling overwhelmed by these 12 ways to do a winter reset, then just know that I wasn’t able to fully attend to these 12 ways until my kids were much older.
However, one thing I learned was that Living Seasonally allowed me to pay attention to certain things when I had the time.
Winter was slower and gave me the time to replenish and restore. So winter became the time I was able to give SELF care best.
Just take it slow, and add them in when you can.
Personally, the self care that I practice has helped me feel less depressed, and more happy.
I also feel my feminine energy is higher when I do self care.
It’s paying attention to my body to promote health.
Here are a few things I practice for my self care routine:
- Skin care
- Vitamin C and E oils
- Guasha
- Exfoliate
- Manicures and pedicures
- Lymphatic massage
- Nourish hair
- Relax
- Be creative
Check out my post creating an Ultimate Winter Sanctuary. It has made a real difference in how I make time for myself now. Below is a picture of my “Self Care Counter: Winter Sanctuary“. See the rose quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool? That has been a great addition to my self care routine for face and neck. It helps stimulate circulation, and promotes anti-aging effects.
Buy Now → In Conclusion
Winter isn’t just a season, it’s an opportunity to reset, reflect, and restore. By embracing these 12 wholistic ways to nurture your mind, body, and soul, you can transform the colder months into a time of growth and renewal. Whether it’s creating cozy rituals, nourishing yourself with seasonal foods, or reconnecting with your inner creativity, a thoughtful winter reset can help you find balance and purpose as you prepare for the seasons ahead.
So light that candle, sip your herbal tea, and lean into the slower rhythm of winter. It’s not about enduring the cold—it’s about thriving in it. Remember, this is your time to hibernate like a human and emerge stronger, brighter, and ready for all the possibilities the new year has in store.
Here’s to a peaceful and restorative Winter Reset for Living Well, Naturally!
