Here's your permission to rest, babe

Here’s a fun fact: January and February are winter months. You know what that means? Hibernation. Despite all of the excitement around New Year’s goals and ambitions, NOW is your time to rest and digest, lady love.

Our culture doesn’t really put much value on the winter months and certainly not hibernation. We are habituated to run our minds and bodies until we burn out. Our modern world doesn’t have prescribed down time. If we’re not chasing something physically, then we are likely on our devices chasing something mentally. Exhaustion (especially among parents) is almost expected!

Good news! You don’t have to be exhausted or burned out. You don’t have to feel spread too thin. You don’t have to wake each morning with a groan. You aren’t required to need coffee as your daily fuel.

Join me, if you will, to really consider that. Imagine yourself enjoying some rest (screen-free!) as the sun goes down and your babies fall asleep. What does that look like in your mind? Better yet, what does that feel like in your body? 

Does this seem unrealistic? Hilarious even? Do you feel like rest is for other people? Notice and feel tension in your body as you consider hibernating for a couple of weeks.

That tension that you’re feeling around the thought of actually resting (without your device) is speed and anxiety that’s trapped in your body. And do you know what that means? 

• Increased adrenaline production

• Increased cortisol production

• High baseline level of tension

• Weak digestion

• Compromised quality of sleep

Take advantage of January and February while you are at home. The months when the air is still cold, the days are still short, the nights still long. Show up to your responsibilities to the best of your ability but allow yourself extra time for screen-free rest as often as you are able. 

Here are a few benefits of hibernation:

• Decrease in adrenaline production

• Decrease in cortisol production

• A more relaxed way of being through the day

• Improved intuition and overall brain function

• Stronger digestive capacity

• More productive sleep

• More productive days

Want to make winter work for you? Try any of my favorite tips below:

• Dim the lights in your house as the sun begins to go down.

• Put your phone in a basket away from your bedroom.

• Eat a hearty soup or stew for dinner.

• Allow your night time routine to feel heavy, lazy, and sleepy (the kids will pick up on your vibe and will likely follow suit).

• After the kids are asleep, treat yourself!! Do what feels super yummy until you fall asleep. Any of the following can be done as often as you want to do them! (Pick 1-2 to start)

  • A candle-lit bath 

  • Legs up the wall

  • Use an obscene amount of pillows on your bed and snuggle in

  • A delicious cup of something (golden milk, hot tea)

  • Journal 

  • Read something that makes you feel good about the world (such as an inspirational book or light easy fiction)

Don’t worry, spring will be here soon and in a little bit you’ll be ready to bloom into your most beautiful 2020 self.

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Meet Jessica

Jessica Rousseau is an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and yoga teacher with over 1,000 hours learning under master teachers and 10 years of practice. Her years on the mat, in the kitchen, and growing babies has led her to create a safe haven for mamas who want to feel good in their own skin. You can learn more about her health counseling services, postpartum meal delivery services, and public yoga classes at www.vedajess.com. Join her Nourished Mama community here!