5 Ways to Slow Down
What I Learned in January: Slowing Down and Embracing Winter
If December is a whirlwind of festivities, frantic to-do lists, and in-laws, then January is the perfect excuse to exhale, reset, and embrace the slower rhythm of winter. Last month, I made a conscious effort to slow my life down—not in a lazy, binge-watch-every-series-on-Netflix kind of way (although tempting…), but in a way that felt restorative. I worked with the season instead of against it, and in doing so, I discovered a newfound appreciation for nature, my home, and my family.
1.Move with the Season, Not Against It
Rather than dragging myself through high-intensity weightlifting sessions in the pitch-black, freezing mornings, I decided to pivot. I swapped my usual routine for pilates-style workouts in front of the fireplace, embracing movement that felt warm and gentle rather than punishing and cold. And honestly? It was delightful. Who knew stretching next to a crackling fire could make you feel like a woodland creature living its best life?
2. Be Intentional About Technology
Instead of cursing early sunsets and longing for summer evenings, I decided to embrace the darkness. I made the most of the daylight hours by prioritizing outdoor activities and then fully leaned into the cozy factor of winter nights. Candles, warm drinks, thick blankets—suddenly, the early evening felt less like a loss and more like a luxury. My usual habit of endless, numbing social media scrolling? It had to go. Instead, I picked up books on mindfulness, the human brain, and slowing down in an overstimulated world. (Ironically, I learned that endless scrolling actually feeds into mental exhaustion—shocking, I know.) The result? I felt more present and aware of how I spent my time.
3. Find Joy in nature
January turned me into an amateur bird enthusiast—I started with one feeder, then somehow ended up with three, and now my mornings revolve around watching tiny feathered friends flit about. There’s something profoundly peaceful about it, even before the coffee kicks in. My daughter has fully embraced the madness, too proudly naming at least three species (one of which is the illustrious and rare "watermelon bird"). Her pure joy—especially when battling the dastardly squirrels—reminds me how beautiful it is to find delight in the little things. But I didn’t stop at birds. My newfound nature obsession led me to sustainable, small-space gardening. I attended library classes, read up on seasonal planting, and even started an indoor herb garden. Considering my legendary black thumb, the fact that I’ve successfully germinated seeds is nothing short of miraculous. While I wait for these little green guys to grow, I’m already plotting my outdoor garden… sorry, husband.
4. Tidy Without the Overwhelm
Instead of declaring war on household mess and attempting an unrealistic all-day cleaning marathon, I researched ways to tidy up without feeling overwhelmed and keep it that way. The key? Small, intentional, daily cleaning habits that make a big difference over time. By focusing each day on one area of the home/ one category of rooms, my house has become such a more manageable and relaxing space instead of utter chaos and anxiety. Turns out, slow and steady actually does wins the (cleaning) race.
5. Prioritize Rest When Needed
Winter viruses hit our household (as they always do), but instead of pushing through and pretending we weren’t sick, we leaned into it. Rest, nourishing meals, and low expectations became the mantra. And guess what? The world didn’t crumble because I took a sick day. (Groundbreaking, I know.)
This January, I learned that slowing down isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters, with intention and appreciation. By working with the season instead of fighting it, I found peace in the quiet, joy in the small moments, and a deeper connection to the world around me. And that, my dear friends, is a lesson worth carrying into the rest of the year.
You’re Doing Great,
Samantha
