23/12/2025
When I read, I usually read for work, and, as you can imagine, I have quite a collection of health and wellness books on my shelves. One I like to dip into at this time of year, is Wintering by Katherine May.
It’s all about embracing rest and retreat, both physically and emotionally and it shows us that it’s ok not to be productive all of the time.
Clients often tell me that they find it hard/impossible to ‘do nothing’ – feeling that being unproductive is a sign of weakness. It’s not. Quite the opposite, it can be a sign of strength.
Our bodies and minds need time to unwind, process and heal. And when we take time to assess and evaluate, we actually become more productive.
Katherine also talks about the importance of slowing down. In this fast-paced, technology-driven world, the pace of everything has speeded up - we need to consciously do the opposite as, when we live life a little more slowly, we find the time and the space to be more creative, to nurture relationships and appreciate the little things.
And she focuses on something close to my heart – the need to be kind to yourself – to acknowledge your struggles and celebrate your achievements, for you, are your greatest ally.
This is especially true when times are tough and challenges are hard to overcome, at these points it’s important to value yourself and what you have and practice the art of self-compassion and self-nourishment.
