The Stoic Strength in Our Winters of Life
Life is a journey marked by seasons, both literal and metaphorical.
As products of nature, we are biologically and emotionally
influenced by all four seasons. The connection between the seasons and our
mental and physical health is undeniable. For instance, Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD) can impact mood during the darker, colder months. Physical
health issues like vitamin D deficiency, allergies, or arthritis flare-ups
align with seasonal patterns. Even human procreation is seasonal—more babies
are born in the summer, so obviously it follows that more conceptions happen in winter.
The Value of Each Season
There is value in each season. Spring symbolizes renewal,
hope, and love as life begins happening in color. Summer embodies a spirit of
abundance and boundless energy. Fall amazes with a unique beauty that artists
have tried to capture for centuries. While some love the cooler temps of winter
and the festivity of the holidays, this season is often seen as dormant and
challenging.
Despite the uptick in baby-making, winter is linked to increased rates of depression, substance use relapses, and feelings of isolation.
A Psychiatry.org poll revealed that 24% of Americans feel depressed
in winter, and 38% report a decline in overall mood.
Still, Winter Holds Quiet but Profound Importance
In life’s “winters,” we may not see immediate signs of
growth or progress. Yet, like nature’s roots growing deep beneath the surface, we are quietly building our resilience and preparing for
what comes next.
The ancient Stoic philosophers understood the importance of
life’s winters. Marcus Aurelius said:
This reminder from over 1,800 years ago teaches us the virtue of our obstacles.
For example, transforming your body requires the consistent effort of dietary changes and physical activity. Changing your mindset demands the discipline of focused study and reflection. Breaking a habit means facing the discomfort and frustrations of establishing a new routine. Developing a skill takes dedication to ongoing practice. There’s no shortcut to growth—progress comes through applying intentional effort. Even indecision is still a decision, so it’s better to take an active role in directing the pressure toward meaningful change.
"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body."
-Seneca
While plants above ground appear wilted or dormant during winter, tremendous work happens beneath the frost:
- Root
systems grow, expand, and repair themselves, ensuring they can absorb
water and nutrients effectively when spring arrives.
- Soil
ecosystems remain alive with activity as microbes, fungi, and other
organisms break down organic material, releasing essential nutrients like
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to fuel spring growth.
- Water
circulation continues deep below the frost line, nourishing roots and
preventing the soil from drying out.
- Adaptation
and resilience occur as frost triggers plants to harden against the
cold. This unseen transformation strengthens them, enabling survival
through harsh conditions.
Similarly, the winters of our lives, those periods of pain, hardship, or quiet struggle—are opportunities for growth.
Like nature, we build
resilience, strengthen our roots, and lay the foundation for renewal. The work
done during these times, though unseen by others, will manifest in the seasons to come.
Suggestions for Embracing the Winter Season of Life
1. Focus on Small, Incremental Changes
Winter is the perfect time for slow, consistent progress.
While big goals are great, it’s the small, intentional steps that get you
there. As Epictetus said:
Progress doesn’t need to be immediate or massive. Start with
something simple—perhaps organizing one area of your life or starting a new
hobby. Each small change adds up, like drops of water forming a river.
2. Create Structure and Routine
Building a solid routine during winter can be incredibly
grounding. This is a time to structure your days in a way that keeps you moving
forward. These routines could be as simple as not starting the day on your
phone or walking for 10 minutes.
Winter provides an opportunity to bring order to the chaos
around you. Take inventory of what's working in your life and what isn’t:
- Is
your sleep schedule erratic?
- Are
your relationships unhealthy?
- Is
your home a mess?
- Is your skincare routine lacking?
- When was the last time you actually felt hydrated?
- Are
there habits you’re ready to release?
Your future self will be grateful that you improved your routine, come spring.
3. Nurture Your Physical Well-being
This is not a time to neglect your body but to focus on
self-care and fuel it for future success. Prioritize sleep hygiene so you are
rested and able to handle this important work. Feed your body with good
nutrition. Prioritize your medical exams, such as yearly physicals and routine dental appointments. Celebrate your strength by incorporating exercise. It’s empowering
to see what your body can do. You will be amazed at how quickly small acts of
discipline lead to noticeable changes. As Seneca reminds us:
4. Nurture Your Mental Well-being
Give extra love and support to your mental health. Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch videos that align with your goals and help you navigate life’s challenges.
Marcus Aurelius once said:
Be mindful of what you're mentally consuming. Review the media that fills your life—social media, news outlets, and entertainment. Are these sources uplifting, or do they leave you feeling drained or discouraged?
Often, when I work with patients on common thought problems, there is a clear connection between their thinking patterns and the media they consume. For instance, a patient with catastrophic thinking or health anxiety often has a habitual tendency to engage in doomscrolling or spend time on health crisis forums. This creates a perfect storm: fear-inducing media feeds anxiety, providing more and more material to fuel the cycle.
If you struggle with similar patterns, you can explore tools to combat these thought problems in next week’s blog post.
In the meantime, consider reprogramming your mental "algorithm" by being intentional about the content you consume. The messages you take in from your environment become your thoughts. Although it may not always feel like it, you have significant control over the messages you expose yourself to. Making deliberate choices in this area alone can transform your mental well-being.
5. Build Your Tribe
Winter’s quieter seasons do not need to be lonely. He's not an ancient stoic but one of my favorite quotes is by self-help author Wayne Dyer:
Life is hectic, and we are constantly changing. It's easy to get disconnected from ourselves and fall into negative thought spirals of unworthiness and fear. However, if you take
a moment to give yourself the attention and grace you offer others, you’ll
discover that you are actually pretty amazing!
As you nurture your personal relationship with yourself, you
will become a beacon of light that helps your true tribe find you. You will
feel safe to be vulnerable, fostering authentic connections that are strong and
empowering. A supportive social network reflects your talents, gifts, and
beauty back to you. Work on building this kind of support system.
We do not get to choose how, when, or how intensely a season will come. That is a fact of nature beyond our control. However, we do decide how we show up for the work. We can begrudgingly put in the bare minimum and curse the harsh season, or we can show up fully despite the cold. We can cultivate creativity and problem-solving, take our lessons, and apply their value to enhance our journey and magnify our growth. We can undertake to do it all with pride, knowing that the work we do now, determines how we bloom in spring.
How will you embrace your winters?
Therapist at Untamed Journey
President of Phoenix Rise Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to end human trafficking
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