The Gift of Winter: Embracing the Fourth Trimester of Life
The Gift of Winter: Embracing the Fourth Trimester of Life
Snow is falling today in Michigan, schools are closed, and a lot of us are stuck at home, either working remotely or just waiting out the storm. From my living room, I can hear the wind whipping through the trees, but they stand steady, letting it pass through. It makes me wonder, what is winter trying to teach us?
Winter has always been a time for slowing down, resting, and reflecting. In Persian culture, the first night of winter is marked by Yalda Night, when families gather to read poetry, share stories, and welcome the season with intention. Many other cultures have similar traditions, emphasizing winter as a time to come together, rest, and realign. But somehow, modern society has turned winter into a time of overspending on Christmas gifts, maxing out credit cards, and then feeling pressured to “fix” ourselves as soon as January 1st hits. What if we approached winter differently?
Winter as the Fourth Trimester of Life
Some experts say that pregnancy should really be considered a 12-month process, nine months in the womb and three months of adjustment outside of it, known as the fourth trimester. What if winter was meant to be our collective fourth trimester? A time to slow down, nourish ourselves, and lean into rest, instead of fighting against it.
Recently, I had a few accidents that forced me to take better care of myself. But no matter how much I tried, it felt like I just couldn’t catch a break. Frustrated and exhausted, I reached out to two of my friends, both healers in their own right, for guidance. They spoke to me about the fire within all of us, the part of us full of creativity and desire to do great things in the world. But they also reminded me that we cannot burn endlessly without rest. They encouraged me to think of this time as a fourth trimester, a cocooning period that allows us to restore our energy.
They explained why this process, especially for women, is so critical to finding balance, maintaining health, and truly thriving. Their words struck me. Why isn’t this concept the norm? Why do I resist the idea of resting so much? Why do so many of us equate slowing down with weakness, when really, it’s the only way to sustain our fire in the long run?
But instead of embracing winter’s natural rhythm, we push through like it’s any other season. Studies show that when we ignore seasonal shifts, we mess with our circadian rhythms, which can lead to more stress, anxiety, and burnout. Instead of seeing winter as a time to recharge, we push for constant productivity, numbing ourselves with screens, overworking, and fighting against nature’s cues to slow down.
What We Lose When We Ignore Winter’s Purpose
For many people, especially those who are neurodivergent or healing from trauma, winter can actually be a time of comfort. The lower social expectations, cozy routines, and quiet moments can be deeply regulating. But we live in a culture that doesn’t always make space for that. We often feel guilty for wanting rest, as if slowing down is the same as being unproductive.
Traditionally, winter was a time for gathering, telling stories, and supporting one another through the colder months. Now, with how disconnected many of us are from community, winter can feel isolating. Instead of seeing this season as an opportunity to reconnect, with ourselves and others, we often rush through it, waiting for spring.
How Winter Can Support Mental Health and Well-Being
So how do we embrace winter in a way that actually helps us feel better? How do we teach our kids that slowing down is a good thing, not something to fight against?
1. Let Yourself Slow Down
There’s nothing wrong with needing more sleep or taking things at a gentler pace. Winter is nature’s way of telling us to rest. Give yourself permission to do just that.
2. Create Comforting Rituals
Find small routines that bring comfort, cozy blankets, warm drinks, journaling, or listening to calming music. For neurodivergent folks, repetitive, soothing activities like knitting, baking, or rocking can be especially grounding.
3. Connect with Loved Ones
Instead of feeling isolated, use winter as a reason to reach out to friends or family. Have slow, intentional gatherings where the focus is on connection, not spending money.
4. Eat Warming, Nourishing Foods
Winter is a great time to focus on foods that actually help your body, warm soups, root vegetables, herbal teas. Instead of restrictive diets, think about what your body needs to feel good.
5. Reflect and Reset
Use this time to journal, meditate, or just think about what matters to you. What worked last year? What didn’t? Instead of pressuring yourself into big resolutions, focus on small, meaningful shifts.
6. Push Back Against Toxic Productivity
You don’t have to start a strict gym routine or completely overhaul your life on January 1st. Reject the idea that you need to “fix” yourself. Your worth isn’t tied to productivity.
7. Get Outside (Even Just a Little Bit)
Even though it’s cold, getting some fresh air and natural light can make a huge difference in mood and energy levels. Even just a short walk or sitting by a window can help reset your mind.
Winter as a Time to Reset
At its core, winter is about giving yourself the space to breathe. It’s a time to recharge, reflect, and prepare for what’s next, without rushing the process. If we lean into what winter is actually offering us, we might just find that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. It means coming back to ourselves.
So as the snow keeps falling and the wind keeps howling, take a moment to listen. What is this season asking of you? How can you honor winter as a time to rest, heal, and connect?
With love & gratitude,
Founder & CEO
