Winter is often perceived as something to be endured, a cold spell between the vibrance of autumn and the renewal of spring. Our bodies brace with rigidity and our shoulders hunch against the wind as we metaphorically hold our breath until the light returns. As the days grow short and the air turns crisp, the winter season often presents unique challenges to our emotional well-being.

The lack of sunlight, colder temperatures, and increased stagnation can deplete our psychological reserves, requiring the cultivation of resilience, our ability to adapt and thrive in the midst of adversity. During winter, we can preserve our inner peace through the practice of mindful movement, integrating the wisdom of yoga with the restorative power of nature walks.

Winter is meant for hibernation, a time for mind and body to rest, replenish, and restore. Yet, winter can also increase stress and lethargy. The dark skies may lead to lower serotonin levels (Lambert et al., 2002), thereby increasing depressive feelings, decreasing energy, and affecting concentration.

Winter resilience depends on how we regulate our stress response. Cold weather and reduced activity can exacerbate feelings of inactivity and lower mood, making it harder to engage the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving and emotion regulation.

Positive emotions can "undo" the physiological effects of negative emotions and strengthen resilience (Fredrickson, 2001; Tugade & Fredrickson, 2004). That’s why, to combat the winter blues, it’s important to intentionally nurture positive emotions like gratitude, serenity, and curiosity. Resilience research shows that positive emotions not only help us effectively navigate stressful experiences, but more importantly, support our recovery from them and spark creativity (Tugade, 2011). Even still, the psychological dampening effect of winter can make it difficult to access these positive emotions.

How can we overcome the........

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