I’ve been jokingly advocating for human hibernation during the month of January for several years now, and the weather the past few weeks proves my point. With holiday hubbub in the rearview and the icy roads ahead as we return to whatever normal looks like in 2025, carving out time to hunker down, sleep, and take care of ourselves seems more appealing than ever. And while a full-on month-long hibernation is far from feasible, it does make sense to carve out some “do nothing” days on the calendar in the following months.
Yes, in the overbooked, overflowing to-do list and rushed pace of modern times, you do have to schedule rest, as silly as that may sound. Here are a few approaches to make the most of the human version of hibernation this season.
First, let’s define what hibernation actually looks like. It’s basically taking a winter day(s) slowly, resting, napping, puttering around the house, ordering in, catching up on a favorite TV show. It’s putting off the chores that aren’t essential, sleeping in, maybe even putting your “out of office” message up for some self-care PTO. Because finding opportunities to take care of yourself by relaxing, de-stressing, and vegging out is important.
In order to find the time, don’t be afraid to say “no” to plans and set boundaries.
Don’t tell my grandmother I said this, but some weeks, it’s OK to skip church. Once in a while, you need that Sunday morning for rest, to relax with a cup of tea and a book, to make a big breakfast, especially if it’s snowy and cold and the roads look dicey.
Same goes for play dates, volunteer opportunities, community events. You can’t and shouldn’t be expected to do it all. I’m not recommending disengaging or not showing up, but instead, be realistic about what you can give. Besides, any bake sale would much prefer store-bought muffins to my homemade applesauce raisin muffins.
If you’re serious about scheduled downtime, book a staycation. If it’s within your budget, reserve a hotel, even just for an overnight stay, and pack your favorite self-care and cozy essentials. Better yet, maybe take a long weekend and check into a resort with spa services. You might think, oh, winter retreat that includes outdoor activities like skiing or hiking. Sure, if that’ll recharge your battery, go for it, but try to focus less on doing things and more on relaxing.
For staycations at home, you’ll want to create a calming environment, whether that be throughout your abode or just your bedroom.
And speaking of the bedrooms, one of the key elements of a fulfilling hibernation is sleep, so having the right mattress is key. A mattress that’s too soft, or too firm, or too lumpy, or too hot precludes you from getting quality rest. There are a ton of mattresses out there. I’d suggest checking out brands that offer extensive “free” trials. Companies like Nectar, DreamCloud, and Saatva boast 365-night trials. Read the fine print to see how “free” these trials are and what obligations are expected from the consumer, but a free-ish mattress during this hibernation season sounds like a dream to me.
Not everyone wants or needs a new bed, but there are other ways to increase the restful nature of your space. A humidifier for winter is a no-brainer. Not only does it help keep your skin, hair, and nasal cavities moisturized through the dry days of winter, but they contribute to a good night’s sleep. Consumer Report features the Dreamzy Humidifier as the best option to improve respiratory health and sleep quality. Its large tank can provide 24 hours of continuous mist and fills a 500 sq. ft. room in about 30 minutes. If you’re looking for something a bit more nuanced, say humidifier and aromatherapy in one, then check out InnoGear’s Essential Oil Diffuser and Mist Humidifier from Amazon. Or, simply add some essential oil drops to your current humidifier for a scent-filled relaxing spritz.
Other gadgets to consider in creating a hibernating oasis this winter are noise machines, nightlights, and light masks. I’m loving the idea of Hatch’s Restore 3: A sleep sound, bedside light, and sunrise alarm device all in one.
And recently there’s been apps for different “colors” of noise, such as brown, pink, and green which are differentiated by their frequency and amplitude. On mynoise.net, you can design your own colored noise generator for the right balance to lull you to relaxation.
Beyond sleep, consider other sources of energy. This may seem counterintuitive, but when your activity and stress levels surpass your energy level, you become fatigued and burned out. So, one way to utilize downtime is to replenish those energy levels. And while I’m an advocate of ordering food, it may not be the best source of nutrition. So, if your hibernation time includes home cooking, embrace that by trying new recipes with whole foods and energy-bursting ingredients.
If you’re unable to schedule sufficient hibernation time, you can take mini-hibos throughout your week.
Things like stretching, prayer, reading, journaling, small moments of gratitude, and deep breaths are shorter and more immediate ways of recharging. Some of these may even already be a part of your daily routine; if so, keep it up. If not, consider taking 5-to-10 minutes each day for some self-care practices to live your best hibernation era this winter.
