Embracing 'wintering' with Very: my simple routine for light, comfort and wellbeing this season

Despite being a winter baby (I was born ten days before Christmas in 1966), I am not a fan of winter, I feel the cold, hate the dark nights and miss being able to get outside.  As soon as spring arrives, I am always excited see the spring flowers and can't wait to dine al fresco, I seek out sunshine at every opportunity!  And I admit to struggling a little with SAD  - Seasonal Affective Disorder - a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, symptoms include low mood, lethargy and loss of interest in activities.

But I am determined to get through this winter (and future winters) with more positivity and enthusiasm!  And the term 'wintering' is one I am exploring ....

In this post with Very, I’m sharing a few small changes I’m making to support my winter wellness and the comforting Christmas home products that are helping me create those calm and restorative moments.
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This blog post is sponsored by Very.

A cup of tea, a cosy heated blanket, my dogs and a good book - how I am 'wintering' this year!

What is 'wintering' and why does it matter?

Winter can feel long, dark and cold, especially in midlife, when energy levels shift and we’re often juggling so many responsibilities. So I’ve been learning about the concept of 'wintering', a gentle, restorative approach to embracing the season rather than simply enduring it.

The term 'wintering' was popularised by author Katherine May in her bestselling book 'Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times' and it is about slowing down, simplifying, and giving yourself permission to rest and restore. Nature takes a pause in winter, and wintering encourages us to do the same, emotionally, physically, and mentally.

For me, wintering is a positive way to protect my wellbeing during the colder months. It's about nurturing the nervous system, supporting mood, and creating a softer pace that feels kinder and more achievable.

The Lumie Sunrise Alarm Clock wakes you up gently rather than with a loud jolt!

Creating light during darker days - and early mornings!

One of the biggest challenges in winter is the lack of natural light.  And the challenge of getting out of bed early when it is cold and dark.  My husbands day currently starts at around 6 am - I am a little luckier but I still prefer to be up and ready early.  It is so tempting to keep pressing snooze.  But getting up at the same time every day is one of the best sleep hygiene habits we can adopt - and going to bed at the same time every night too!   Sorry but those weekend lie-ins just aren't good for us!

My daughter has had a Lumie Sunrise Alarm Clock for many years, her working day as a Norland Nanny mean early starts and she swears by her sunrise alarm to help her!  So I was excited to get a sunrise alarm clock of my own.

Instead of waking to a harsh beep in complete darkness, the Lumie gently simulates sunrise, slowly brightening over 30 minutes. It feels much more natural, and I am waking calmer and more motivated to start the day.  I think this will now become an essential part of my wintering, easing into the morning instead of jolting into it.

A cotton dressing gown is my preferred bedtime style - this one is by Laura Ashley at Very.co.uk

Comfort and cosiness in the evenings

Wintering is also about creating warmth and comfort, the little rituals that soothe the body as much as the mind.  My evening routine includes a hot bath with flickering candles and luxurious bath salts and bubbles, then time under my red light therapy to relax and support my skin health, before applying my skincare, I then slip into a comfortable dressing gown.  I am not a big fan of anything too warm so avoid polyester, I prefer a good quality cotton dressing gown (I don't often wear pyjamas).  This beautiful Dressing Gown from Very has a subtle rose print and is 100% cotton.  Then I head downstairs for some TV time .... our viewing habits have changed with streaming services and we now watch a series over a few nights rather than wait for a weekly episode, recent favourites include Prisoner 951 on iPlayer, Slow Horses on Apple TV and Tipping Point on ITVX, and we're just rewatching Season 1 of The Night Manager, in preparation for Season 2 coming over new year!

I get cosy with my heated throw blanket - this really is the ultimate wintering essential!  Oh my goodness, I love it!  It is so soft and warm.  I've been using it for TV time in the evening but it is also perfect for Sunday afternoon reading, relaxed blog writing in the afternoons (in the summer I take my laptop outside and sit in the sun, in the winter I get cosy on the small sofa in the conservatory with my heated blanket).  It is such a simple luxury but helps me embrace the dark skies rather than fight them.  And it can come up to bed too!  Yes that is Bonnie making the most of the comfort, both my westies want to join me under the heated throw whenever I switch it on.

The right supplements for my wellbeing this winter

I’ve added two extra supplements into my routine this winter. I’m taking an Immune Booster from Bio Synergy, I’ve already had two colds, a cold sore and an ulcer this autumn, so I need the extra insurance! I’m also getting the flu vaccine for the first time ever. Alongside this, I’m trying the Skin & Hair formulation from Bio Synergy because winter can really take its toll on our skin: the cold air, central heating and reduced sunlight can all contribute to skin dryness and dullness.
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For me, supplements are a simple way to support my wintering routine, topping up nutrients that naturally dip when the days get darker, helping my skin stay healthier, and giving my immune system a little extra love when it needs it most. It’s all part of looking after myself intentionally during the colder months.

Vitamins for immune health, skin and hair to stay healthier in winter

Rest, reflection and a slower pace

Wintering invites us to slow down, reflect and assess..  I love to prioritise earlier nights, gentle mornings and moments of calm so that winter can feel supportive and reassuring.  Nature rests, and so can we, ready to spring back into life!

I’m giving myself permission to:

• Move more gently.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Recharge when I need to.
• Build nourishing routines.
• Enjoy the quieter pace.

Wintering is really about being kinder to yourself, especially during months that can feel challenging.  And we all need more of that!

My winter wellness routine with Very

My focus is on the little habits that support my energy, mood and sleep:

• Waking with light using the Lumie sunrise alarm clock.
• Slipping into a soft, cosy dressing gown.
• Wrapping up under my heated throw blanket for moments of calm.
• Making sure I take the right supplements to support my health.
• Prioritising warmth, routine, rest and comfort.

Easy mornings in my cosy dressing gown!

These tools are helping my winter feel more manageable and even enjoyable. They help my home environment feel cosy, so it supports my wellbeing, something I think becomes increasingly important in midlife.  

What are your 'wintering' non-negotiables?

Love Michelle xx

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Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Very, I was gifted products for the purpose of this review, all opinions and words are my own.  

Very has a fabulous selection of health and wellness products to help us through the winter months!