Welcome to the ART of Wintering...

It’s raining outside right now. The wind is howling, and there’s a yellow weather warning in place.

Days like this, nature can feel a little hostile. And let’s be honest—we all have days like that, don’t we?

Winter seems to hand us more of these moody moments, where the dull light and chill seep into the house and our spirits. It’s all too tempting to park yourself on the sofa, endlessly scrolling through social media.

Stop. Well, at least pause until you’ve finished reading this article, because I’ve got some ideas to inspire you to reconnect with nature in a way that’s kinder, cozier, and just a little magical.

I’m lucky to have a log fire; its glow and warmth instantly make everything feel better. But I’ve also spent evenings with a virtual fireplace on YouTube, enjoying the crackling sound effects—it’s surprisingly comforting! If you’ve got an orange or lemon languishing in the fruit bowl, here’s a trick: rinse it, grate off the zest, and sprinkle it into hot water. Add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves, and you’ve got yourself an instant winter warmer, complete with uplifting aromas. Even brewing fresh coffee can fill the air with a natural, mood-lifting scent.

Wintering—this quiet, reflective time of year—isn’t about productivity or striving. It’s about stepping back, grounding yourself, and just being. Not every day needs to be a “performing” day.

Sometimes, it’s okay to stop, reflect, and find joy in the small, still moments of life.

One of the simplest ways to embrace wintering is to bring nature indoors. Gather some pinecones, cut a sprig of rosemary, or trim a branch of pine and pop it in a vase. I’ve got a rosemary shrub just outside my front door, and even that small touch of greenery feels grounding. You could also fill your home with warm, natural fragrances—cinnamon, cloves, orange zest—and let those scents work their magic. Did you know even watching nature on TV can have a calming effect? Cue up a nature documentary or a serene forest scene and let your mind wander.

In this fast-paced world, sitting quietly and enjoying the glow of fairy lights, flipping through a book, or dreaming of sunny beaches in a holiday brochure feels indulgent—but it shouldn’t. This is the art of wintering. If you want to dive deeper into the concept, I recommend The Joy of Wintering by Erin Niimi Longhurst, but treating yourself to a glossy nature magazine can be just as beneficial.

A holiday brochure for winter sun holidays from your high street is an awesome freebie and a great starting point for chats about what to do in the warmer days ahead. There’s evidence that looking at natural images can positively shift your mindset (Beyond Blue to Green).

So, the next time someone asks what you’ve been up to, and the honest answer is that you’ve spent the last two hours rearranging pinecones or savouring a cup of spiced tea, you can proudly say you’ve been wintering. It’s an essential practice for your health and wellbeing.

You’re welcome!

If you’d like more ideas for wintering, check out my activity guides over at The Great Nature Guide. Take care and stay cosy.