Kari Leibowitz, a Stanford-trained social psychologist and author of "How To Winter," shares insightful strategies for thriving during the cold, dark months. She discusses how to embrace the winter season with joy by engaging in delightful activities and fostering a positive mindset. Kari explores the creative potential that winter’s darkness can inspire and emphasizes the mental health benefits of outdoor exploration, encouraging listeners to break free from seasonal myths and celebrate nature instead.
Anticipating winter's joys rather than its hardships can significantly enhance one's experience, turning it from bleakness to positivity.
Embracing winter's natural rhythms as a time for rest and connection promotes emotional and physical well-being, reducing anxiety.
Deep dives
Transforming Winter Mindsets
Expectations significantly shape how people experience winter, often leading to feelings of dread about the season. When individuals anticipate only misery, they are more likely to experience it, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, proactively preparing for winter by envisioning its joys—such as cozy nights, holiday celebrations, and enjoyable outdoor activities—can help foster a more positive season. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances enjoyment but also trains individuals to greet future challenges with optimism and readiness.
Embracing Rest and Reflection
Winter often brings natural fluctuations in energy levels, which many misinterpret as negativity or signs of depression. However, embracing the time for rest and slowing down during winter aligns with natural behaviors observed in many living organisms. By accepting this period of dormancy as a chance for rejuvenation and family connection, individuals can reap emotional and physical benefits, such as lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety. Cultivating guilt-free leisure during these months allows people to prepare for the times in life when they will inherently need to slow down, making it a valuable practice.
Finding Winter's Opportunities
Instead of focusing on limitations brought by winter, individuals can discover seasonal opportunities that enhance their well-being. Cultures around the globe celebrate winter through unique traditions, like Denmark's emphasis on hygge or Finland's sauna experiences, which offer specific joys associated with the season. Engaging in cozy indoor activities, creative pursuits, or simple pleasures like warm meals or stargazing can transform the winter experience into one of delight. This positive mindset can also extend to facing other life challenges, encouraging growth in resilience by seeking opportunities amidst difficulties.
It’s the winter solstice this week, which means we have officially hit the darkest time of the year. But dark doesn’t have to mean bleak. That’s the premise of “How To Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days,” a new book by Stanford-trained social psychologist Kari Leibowitz, who joins us today to share a few warming tips on how to beat the wintertime blues.