How I learned to enjoy winter, let go of year-end self-criticism and build more trust in myself.
I used to hate November and December.
Yes, really! :))
I’ve always felt the cold quite easily, and the shorter, darker days didn’t help. Sometimes I didn’t even want to go outside.
Walking along the street, I’d notice people with their heads down, wrapped up against the cold. Everything seemed a little gloomy.
And then, as December approached, life seemed to get busier.
Christmas parties, catching up with friends before the year ended, shopping, organising things…
While these can all be enjoyable occasions, I often felt overwhelmed by how much seemed to be happening.
But there was another reason I didn’t enjoy this time of year.
The Pressure of Unfinished Goals
November and December used to remind me of everything I hadn’t completed or achieved.
I’d think about the plans I’d made at the beginning of the year, the things I’d hoped to do and all the tasks still waiting for my attention.
Rather than appreciating what I had accomplished, I focused on what I hadn’t.
A little self-sabotage, perhaps! :))
Looking back, I realise how easily this pattern affected my confidence.
The more I criticised myself for unfinished plans, the harder it became to trust myself to move forward.
And I began to wonder whether there was a different way to approach the end of the year.
Winter and Emotional Wellbeing in Traditional Chinese Medicine
As I learned more about seasonal living, particularly through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I began to see winter differently.
In TCM, winter is associated with the Water element and the Kidney system.
Fear is traditionally associated with the Kidney system, while zhi, often translated as willpower or inner resolve, is another important quality connected with it.
These associations belong to the traditional TCM framework. They are not medical explanations of how the physical kidneys influence our emotions.
What interests me is the idea of finding balance between fear and inner strength.
Fear isn’t always something we need to get rid of.
Sometimes it helps us recognise uncertainty, consider risks and make thoughtful decisions.
Likewise, courage doesn’t always mean moving forward regardless of the consequences.
If we become too confident and stop listening to ourselves, we might overlook our limits or take on more than we can manage.
Emotional balance is not about being fearless. It’s about recognising our feelings and responding with both courage and wisdom.
Learning to Trust Myself Rather Than Push Harder
For a long time, I associated the end of the year with things I hadn’t achieved.
I felt I should be doing more, finishing more and making better progress.
But learning to live more in tune with the seasons helped me question that approach.
I began to recognise that winter doesn’t have to feel like a race towards the end of December.
I can still work towards things that matter to me while adjusting my expectations.
Sometimes I need the courage to try something unfamiliar.
Sometimes I need the wisdom to change direction.
And sometimes I need to recognise that I’ve done enough for the day.
For me, building self-trust means learning when to take action and when to respect my limits.
That shift has helped me enjoy winter in a way I didn’t before.
Simple Ways to Support Your Emotional Wellbeing in Winter
If you find yourself feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed during the colder months, it may help to look at your everyday habits.
Here are some things I try to pay attention to.
1. Notice Your Daily Patterns
Are you spending much of the day indoors?
Getting some natural daylight, particularly earlier in the day, can be a useful part of maintaining a regular sleep-wake routine.
Even a short walk can give you a change of scenery.
2. Enjoy Warm, Nourishing Food
I naturally find myself wanting warmer meals during the colder months.
Preparing something comforting can also become an enjoyable part of the day rather than another task to rush through.
3. Make Time for Good-Quality Sleep
Winter evenings can be an opportunity to review our bedtime habits.
I try to give myself enough time for sleep and go to bed earlier when I feel tired.
4. Allow Yourself to Do Things Mindfully
When life becomes busy, it’s easy to move from one activity to another without noticing how we’re feeling.
Whether I’m preparing a meal, walking or listening to music, I find it helpful to give the activity my attention.
5. Remember to Breathe
When I notice myself rushing or becoming tense, a few gentle, comfortable breaths can help me settle my attention.
There’s no need to force deep breathing. Simply noticing your natural breathing can be a useful starting point.
6. Discover Something You Enjoy About Winter
This is one of my favourites!
For me, it’s music. 🎶
I particularly enjoy having the London Jazz Festival to look forward to in November.
There’s something wonderful about exploring music and discovering performances during a season I once dreaded.
Perhaps your winter pleasure is music too. Or maybe it’s visiting an exhibition, reading, cooking, walking somewhere beautiful or spending time with friends.
The important thing is finding something you genuinely look forward to, rather than feeling you have to enjoy winter in a particular way.
What Does Emotional Balance Look Like for You?
I’ve learned that there isn’t one correct way to experience winter.
Some people love the colder months. Others find them difficult.
Enjoying winter doesn’t necessarily mean someone has more courage or inner strength. And finding winter challenging doesn’t mean you’re lacking either.
Our experiences, preferences and circumstances are different.
What matters is how we respond to our own needs.
As the year draws towards its close, I’m still thinking about what I’d like to complete.
But instead of focusing only on unfinished tasks, I’m also trying to appreciate what I’ve learned and accomplished.
And perhaps that’s part of emotional balance too.
When life feels challenging, do you tend to hold yourself back — or push yourself too hard?
It’s a question worth considering.
Winter Wellbeing Sessions in Primrose Hill, London 🌿
If you’d like some dedicated time for relaxation and emotional wellbeing, I offer Reiki, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), and Facial & Foot Neuro-Reflex Therapy for Emotional Release at HomeWellness Primrose Hill, London.
In-person appointments are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
I also offer distant Reiki, online EFT, Reiki teaching and Life Tree Card sessions.
You’re welcome to get in touch through naomisato.co.uk to enquire or arrange an appointment.
These complementary wellbeing approaches are not a replacement for appropriate medical or psychological care. If low mood or anxiety is persistent or affecting everyday life, consider seeking support from a qualified healthcare professional.
Naomi