03/11/2025
Q. When I typically feel guilty at winter what can I do to change that this year
Let’s reflect before winter starts. Guilt during winter often comes from feeling like you’re not doing enough, maybe exercising less, eating differently, or not feeling as productive or social.
Here’s how you can shift that this year:
🌤 1. Redefine what “success” looks like in winter
Instead of comparing your winter self to your summer self, set season-appropriate expectations.
→ e.g. “Moving my body 3 times a week” instead of “hitting the gym every day.”
→ “More rest and warmth” instead of “constant activity.”
💭 2. Notice the guilt, but don’t obey it
When guilt shows up (“I should be doing more”), pause and ask:
“Is this voice helping me grow, or just punishing me?”
If it’s the latter, thank it for showing up and choose a kinder action instead (like a short walk, or 10 minutes of journaling).
🌿 3. Build your ‘winter wellbeing toolkit’
Create a few go-to actions for when you feel low or guilty:
• Warm nutritious meals
• Morning light exposure or a daylight lamp
• Short movement routines you enjoy
• Journaling or gratitude lists
• Cozy downtime that’s intentional, not “lazy”
💪 4. Shift the mindset from guilt → care
Remind yourself:
“I’m not slacking I’m adapting.”
Your body naturally craves more rest, grounding foods, and slower rhythms in darker months. Meeting those needs is self-discipline, not a failure of it.
🧭 5. Plan small wins
Give yourself structure — even tiny ones:
• Sunday plan for meals or movement
• Morning check-in (“What one thing will help me feel grounded today?”)
• Track self-care instead of calories or workouts
