What If You Don’t Get Sick in Winter Because of the Cold?
Every winter, it feels inevitable: we get sick, feel run-down, or just completely drained. It’s easy to blame the cold weather, germs, or shorter days.
But what if the real reason lies elsewhere?
What if the issue is that we’re still trying to hustle through life, ignoring the natural rhythm of the seasons?
This realization didn’t come to me overnight. It’s been a journey—one I believe many of us are on. Learning how to truly care for ourselves, especially during challenging seasons, isn’t simple or linear.
And while better sleep, diet, and exercise are great starting points, lasting relief and true healing require deeper self-awareness.
When it comes to chronic pain, TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome), anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma, we often overlook how much stress and unmet emotional needs affect our health. Winter, in particular, tends to reveal just how well—or poorly—we’re attending to ourselves.
The Stages of Learning to Care for Ourselves
Our ability to address our needs evolves in stages, and each stage reveals a deeper layer of healing:
Stage 1: Ignoring Our Needs
In this stage, we unknowingly neglect our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs. We push through life, ignoring signs of stress or discomfort, and winter hits us hard. Every year, we find ourselves sick, exhausted, or overwhelmed.
Stage 2: Focusing on the Physical
As we grow more aware, we start prioritizing sleep, exercise, and diet. These changes help, but without addressing our emotional and mental needs, the cycle of winter fatigue, stress, and even pain continues.
Stage 3: Emotional and Mental Awareness
We begin to understand that physical care alone isn’t enough. Learning to process emotions, manage anxiety, and offer ourselves emotional support becomes vital. This shift brings relief, but winter can still challenge us if we don’t adapt our care to the season.
Stage 4: Seasonal Flexibility
The final stage is recognizing that different seasons call for different types of care. In winter, we might need more rest, emotional support, or community time—or perhaps less social interaction and more introspection. By adjusting our approach to match the season, we find lasting relief and bounce back more quickly when challenges arise.
What Does Winter Ask of Us?
Winter is nature’s time to slow down, rest, and reflect. Yet we often resist this rhythm. We pile on holiday responsibilities, overcommit socially, and push ourselves as if it’s still the height of summer.
If you experience chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or ongoing stress, this pattern might feel familiar. The perfectionist in you may strive for the perfect holiday. The high achiever pushes through work to avoid falling behind. The people pleaser can’t say no to holiday parties and obligations.
But what if this winter, we chose a different path?
Questions to Ask Yourself This Season
What do I truly need this winter?
What can I let go of to make space for rest?
How can I adjust my care to match the season?
Learning to adapt to the seasons doesn’t mean avoiding sickness altogether, but it does mean recovering faster and with greater resilience.
A Reminder for Your Healing Journey
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, navigating the effects of trauma, or seeking relief from anxiety and stress, remember that healing isn’t just about doing more.
It’s about listening to your body, recognizing your needs, and honoring them in a way that works for you—especially during the quieter, colder months.
This winter, maybe it’s time to follow nature’s lead and slow down.
Because sometimes, doing less is the most healing thing you can do.