What They Don’t Tell You About The ‘Winter Arc’
By: Nicole Chinery| 2024
Every time I go on my phone, I am bombarded with content about the winter arc, ‘how to change your life in 90 days’, ‘how to glow up and level up’, ‘disappear and return unrecognizable’ along with a host of other supposedly motivational content to get you locked in and on your zoom. And of course! This comes as no surprise.
We’re in the last quarter of the year, and I’m sure by now most people would have started to assess the year so far on the basis of productivity; whether or not we have met most of our resolutions or at least made sufficient strides in their attainment. However, hyper-focusing on ticking all our boxes and the need to improve our lives in anticipation of the new year disconnects us from the present. We become too caught up in the buzz to even appreciate the season.
Fall is a gorgeous time. The beautiful hues of orange and red, burnt shades of brown and rust, and the chilly crisp air that pricks your skin following light gusts of wind, all welcome a much forsaken resolution- rest. Many of us, especially as black women, are guilty of either forgetting to rest or neglecting to prioritize it because we have been socialized to take care of everybody else but ourselves.
Hence, making us very vulnerable to burn out.
That is why in this season of rest and rejuvenation, therapists at Elmi Counseling and Wellness have curated three effective mindful tips to make sure you do not wear yourselves out:
● Practicing Gratitude:
A simple thank you goes a long way. However, what we may forget to remember is that appreciating what we have not only makes us feel good about ourselves but it also grounds us in our reality. Identifying just one thing we are thankful for everyday anchors us in the present and makes every passing moment more meaningful.
● Exploring hobbies:
Contrary to popular belief, resting is not necessarily the same thing as sleeping, and just because you sleep a good amount every night does not necessarily mean you are ‘rested’. Many times we find that while our bodies feel rejuvenated, our minds remain laboured. Engaging in activities we enjoy relaxes the mind and allows us to ease into something other than our responsibilities.
● Including breaks in your routine:
The guilt makes it hard to, trust me we get it, but you do not have to wait till you are burnt out before you take a break. Introduce breaks as part of your to do list, include it in your routine, make it a point and a priority to relax. And always remember that you are deserving of rest even on unproductive days because rest is productive.
Nonetheless, we recognize that this season can cause a lot of stress for people coming to terms with the fact that perhaps the year did not go as planned. Dealing with disappointment, guilt and despair can be rough.
That is why in addition to these tips, Elmi Counselling and Wellness is open to supporting you as you navigate rest and rejuvenation as we edge towards the end of the year, book a complimentary session today to get started!