A Busy Mum’s Guide to Wintering: How to Slow Down When Life Feels Relentless
Wintering. The very word conjures up images of frost-covered fields, soft blankets, and steaming mugs of tea. It’s about retreating, resting, and realigning – mirroring the natural world as it slows down to conserve energy. I love this idea so much that I created a Wintering blend designed to be your daily reminder to embrace slowness in winter, decline plans without guilt, and honour the season by staying indoors to rest.
But I have to be honest and realistic - as a working mum with three kids, two dogs, a business to run, and all the other never-ending mum jobs, wintering can feel like an impossible luxury. Evening and weekend clubs don’t stop, meals still need planning, food shop cooking, and emails don’t answer themselves. So how the heck can we harness some of this essential wintering into the chaos of everyday life?
Here’s a few of my personal tips and advice...
1. Embrace the Power of Micro Moments
Wintering doesn’t have to mean whole days under a blanket (though wouldn’t that be nice!). It can mean taking five minutes to sit in silence with a hot drink, pausing before the school run to breathe in the crisp morning air, or diffusing a fave essential oil blend while you tackle the washing up. These tiny moments of slowness add up.
2. Decline Without Guilt
The extra playdate, or the “just one more” social gathering – you’re allowed to say no. Wintering is about conserving your energy, and that means protecting your boundaries. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care. I have learnt to be ok with saying no and now I love it haha!
4. Create a Winter Sanctuary
Carve out a corner of your home that feels restful. Add soft lighting, candles, cosy throws, and Holistic Kitchen scents to create a space where you can unwind, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I love retreating to my bedroom, this is my sanctuary. My Wintering blend was designed with this in mind – to help you transition into rest mode amidst the chaos.
5. Prioritise Your Stuff.
Write down everything you think you 'need' to do and decide what’s essential and what can wait. Do you really need to deep clean the cupboards this month? Probably not, that can wait until you have the energy to spring clean! Focus on the things that bring joy or are genuinely important.
6. Make Peace with Imperfection
The house won’t always be tidy. You might forget the PE kit once or twice. That’s okay. Wintering is about releasing the need for perfection and instead embracing the messiness of life with grace. I used to feel like I couldn't rest until the house was clean. but now I am over this way of thinking thank god!
7. Tune Into Nature
Even a quick walk with the dogs can help you connect to the slower pace of the season. Notice how trees shed their leaves and animals hibernate. Let it remind you that it’s natural – even necessary – to slow down and conserve energy.
8. Use Scent as Your Anchor
I designed my Wintering blend to be a daily reminder to slow down. Roll it on your wrists before school drop-off, diffuse it during your evening wind-down, or simply breathe it in whenever you need a moment of calm.
9. Be Kind to Yourself
Above all, wintering as a busy mum means being kind to yourself. It’s not about doing it perfectly; it’s about finding small ways to honor the season and your own needs within the whirlwind of life.
Wintering isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. By taking small, intentional steps to slow down, you’ll find that even in the busiest seasons of life, you can create pockets of peace and rest.
10. Read Wintering by Katherine May
It was this book that inspired me to start wintering three winters ago. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy, and most of all, be slow.
Sallyanne x