…and That’s OK
As the seasons change, our bodies and minds respond whether we consciously notice it or not. Winter brings darker mornings, reduced daylight, colder temperatures and often heavier workloads as the year draws to a close. Social plans shift, energy levels dip and routines that felt effortless in summer can suddenly feel hard to maintain.
This can be frustrating. Many people try to push through winter by sticking rigidly to routines that worked earlier in the year. Early mornings, high intensity workouts, packed schedules and long days can start to feel like a constant uphill effort. When that happens, it is easy to turn the frustration inward and assume something is wrong with you.
The reality is simpler and kinder. Winter routines will look different and that is not a failure. It is a natural response to seasonal change. Learning to adjust rather than resist can protect your wellbeing and help you move through the darker months feeling steadier and more supported.
Why Winter Affects Us More Than We Expect
Human bodies are deeply influenced by light. Reduced daylight affects our circadian rhythm which is the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy, mood and focus. When mornings are darker and evenings arrive earlier, your body receives different signals about when to wake, rest and recover.
This shift can influence melatonin and serotonin levels which play a key role in sleep and mood. It can also increase feelings of tiredness, low motivation and emotional sensitivity. For some people, these changes contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder. For others, the impact is subtler but still present.
Winter often comes with additional pressures too. End of year deadlines, financial concerns, festive expectations and family dynamics can all add emotional weight. When these external demands combine with reduced energy and disrupted sleep, it is no surprise that routines begin to slip.
The Problem With Forcing Summer Routines
One of the most common mistakes people make is trying to maintain the same pace and structure all year round. Summer routines are often built around longer days, more light, warmer weather and higher natural energy. Winter does not offer the same conditions.
When you try to force a routine that no longer fits, your nervous system stays under constant strain. You may notice increased irritability, difficulty concentrating or a sense that you are always pushing through rather than feeling supported by your day. Over time, this can lead to burnout or a gradual erosion of wellbeing.
Adaptation is not about lowering standards or giving up on yourself. It is about recognising what your body needs right now and responding with intention rather than judgement.
One Thing That Supports You Each Day
Instead of trying to rebuild everything, winter is the time to simplify. One helpful approach is to choose one thing each day that supports how your body and mind work during this season.
That one thing does not need to be dramatic. It might be a slightly later start in the morning when possible. It could be a calmer evening routine that prioritises sleep. It might be stepping outside during daylight hours even if only for a few minutes.
This single daily anchor helps regulate your nervous system. It creates a sense of steadiness and control even when other parts of life feel full. Over time, these small consistent actions build resilience and protect your energy through the winter months.
What Winter Support Can Look Like
Everyone’s needs are different, but there are some common ways people benefit from adjusting routines in winter.
Prioritising Rest and Sleep
Sleep often suffers in winter due to darker mornings and disrupted routines. Giving yourself permission to rest more is not laziness. It is recovery. Creating a consistent bedtime, reducing evening stimulation and allowing for slower mornings where possible can significantly improve how you feel during the day.
Reducing Intensity Without Losing Consistency
Movement remains important, but the type of movement may change. Instead of high intensity workouts every day, winter might call for gentler sessions mixed with walks or stretching. Consistency matters more than intensity at this time of year.
Protecting Daylight Exposure
Light is one of the most powerful regulators of mood and energy. Making an effort to get outside during daylight hours, even briefly can help stabilise your internal rhythm. This can be especially helpful for those working indoors or from home.
Creating Emotional Space
Winter can bring heightened emotions. Allowing yourself space to reflect, journal or simply pause can help prevent emotional build up. This space is not indulgent. It is protective.
Letting Go of Comparison
It is easy to compare yourself to others during winter, especially when social media shows constant productivity and positivity. Remember that everyone responds to seasons differently and many people are quietly struggling behind the scenes.
Your winter routine does not need to look impressive. It needs to support you. Measuring success by how regulated, steady and well you feel is far more meaningful than how busy or productive you appear.
When Winter Feels Heavier Than Usual
If winter consistently affects your energy, mood or motivation, it may be a sign that you need additional support. Persistent low mood, disrupted sleep, anxiety or emotional numbness are signals worth listening to. They are not weaknesses and they are not something you need to push through alone.
Working with someone who understands the connection between mindset, wellbeing and performance can help you navigate this season with more confidence. Tailored support allows you to build routines that respect your individual needs rather than forcing generic solutions.
Building Routines That Fit This Season of Life
At Precision, my work focuses on helping people create routines that feel realistic and supportive, especially during challenging seasons like winter. This is not about adding more to your to do list. It is about finding small adjustments that protect your mental and emotional health while allowing you to function well in everyday life.
Through one to one coaching, we explore what is currently draining your energy and what genuinely supports you. Together we build routines that feel flexible, compassionate and sustainable rather than rigid or overwhelming.
Moving Through Winter With Kindness
Winter will pass. The lighter days will return. Until then, the goal is not to thrive every day but to stay steady and well enough to move forward with care.
Choosing one supportive action each day can make a quiet but powerful difference. It keeps you regulated. It helps you cope. It reminds you that your wellbeing matters even when life feels demanding.
If winter is affecting your energy or wellbeing and you would like support to create routines that work for you, I am always happy to chat.
