Winter Wellness Check-In: How to Rebalance Your Energy Before Spring
By February, many of us feel it — that deep winter fatigue. The holidays are behind us, spring still feels far away, and our bodies and minds are craving something lighter, brighter, and more energized. Feel like you’re the only one? Nope.
Our modern construct of celebrating the “new year” in January pressures us to jump into new projects, habits and undertakings when we are least equipped to begin these things. We make those resolutions for the new year, and then we try to force ourselves to maintain them, only to lose motivation, run out of steam, and then judge ourselves as failures for falling off the wagon. Again. This cycle is wide-spread enough to have become a running joke each year!
Here’s the thing - winter is supposed to be an opportunity for down-time, resting and preparing for spring, when our energy actually begins to increase. Nature is a great model for this. Plants go dormant for the winter. Animals hibernate or spend a great deal of time in their burrows. We have forgotten to honor nature’s rhythms, which still live inside us (and drive us), despite our modern lifestyles.
Rather than pushing harder, late winter is the perfect time to check in, slow down, and gently realign. Think of this season as a bridge — a chance to shed what’s heavy and prepare space for what’s next.
Let’s explore some ways to rebalance your energy before spring arrives.
Why Late Winter Feels So Draining
Winter asks us to rest, but modern life rarely allows it. By February, you are likely noticing changes that are not helpful in facing the challenges of starting those ambitious new habits:
Low motivation or sluggishness
Increased cravings for comfort foods
Trouble sleeping or staying focused
Emotional heaviness or irritability
These are signs your system is asking for nourishment, not pressure. Save the ambition for later, when energy levels start to ramp back up! When we match our activities to the natural cycle of the seasons, things get easier, flow better, and we are more successful at accomplishing all of the wonderful things we plan.
Step 1: Take a Gentle Wellness Inventory
Before making changes, pause and notice what’s actually happening in your body and life.
Ask yourself:
Where do I feel energized right now?
Where do I feel depleted?
What’s one area of my life that feels out of balance?
Awareness is the first act of self-care.
Step 2: Support Your Energy with Simple Nourishment
You don’t need a cleanse or overhaul — just small shifts:
Add one more fresh or cooked vegetable to your meals each day
Sip warm teas, broths, or lemon water
Choose foods that feel grounding and light at the same time
Think: soups, greens, cooked whole grains, gentle spices, and seasonal produce like root vegetables.
Step 3: Move in a Way That Restores (Not Depletes)
Late winter movement should feel like circulation, not punishment:
Walking, stretching, yoga, or gentle strength training
10–20 minutes is enough to shift your mood and energy
Ask: Does this leave me feeling more alive afterward?
Step 4: Refresh Your Rest & Boundaries
Energy isn’t just physical — it’s emotional and mental too.
Try adding:
A consistent bedtime wind-down ritual - Turn off screens an hour before bedtime, and engage in calming, soothing activities like stretching, meditation or journaling
Saying “no” to one thing that drains you
Creating one pocket of quiet time each day where you do nothing. Seriously, just be.
Rest is not a reward. It’s not optional. It’s a requirement for good health.
Step 5: Make Space for What’s Coming
Before spring brings growth, winter invites release.
Ask:
What am I ready to let go of?
What no longer fits?
What kind of energy do I want to welcome in its place?
This is your chance to clear space — gently and intentionally.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to rush into spring.
You get to arrive there restored.
Let February be your month of gentle realignment — where rest, awareness, and small shifts help you feel more like yourself again. You will step into spring energized, grounded and ready to tackle what’s next in your life!
Need some help getting started? Click below to contact me and schedule a personalized planning session!