Right now, looking out my window, I see those huge, beautiful, fluffy snowflakes coming down, turning everything into a true winter wonderland. And honestly? I’m thrilled.
I know, I know. Everywhere you look, people are talking about the “winter blues,” seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and how much they miss the sun. But for those of us navigating life with a chronic condition like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or chronic depression, the winter slowdown can feel less like a struggle and more like a much-needed permission slip.
Let’s call it the “winter yays.”
The Burden of Missing Out
For those with chronic illness, summer and even fall can feel incredibly difficult—and not just because of the weather. This past season was especially tough for me. My fatigue and brain fog were worse, and I had to skip out on so many things I truly wanted to do. In fact, this is exactly why you haven’t seen a new post from me in five months: severe brain fog makes the complex task of organizing thoughts and writing blog posts feel nearly impossible.
I remember the frustration of having to miss the Witches Night Out event in October I’ve been attending with friends the past few years because I was simply too wiped out. The desire to participate in all the fun of spooky season, only to have my body force me into more naps instead, left me feeling so guilty.
But then comes winter.
When the snow starts falling and the temperatures drop, the whole world seems to collectively hunker down. The pressure to be productive or social outside of the necessary holiday gatherings dramatically lessens. For people with CFS, this external shift perfectly supports the practice of pacing—managing activity levels to prevent post-exertional malaise.
This is a beautiful, seasonal act of rest that the entire world participates in! It validates our need for recovery. It’s not that we aren’t fighting our own daily battles, but the external expectation to perform is finally eased by the weather.
Embracing Your Winter Yays: Action Steps
If you’re feeling that blessed relief today, embrace it! Use the “cooldown” excuse to give your body and mind the gentleness and rest they need. This isn’t laziness—it’s following the natural rhythm of the season to support your health.
Here are a few ways you can lean into the winter yays right now:
- Reclaim “Cozy” – Instead of viewing your home as a place you have to be because you’re too tired, view it as your ultimate comfort fortress. Light a candle, put on your favorite comfy clothes, drape yourself with your softest blanket, and spend some guilt-free time reading a cozy mystery (or genre of your choice) or watching your favorite show.
- Make Rest a Project – If pacing is a goal, the winter is the best time to master it. Schedule a short daily nap or a “horizontal break” as you would an important appointment. This is backed up by research on managing CFS symptoms, including orthostatic intolerance, and is vital during a flare-up.
- Lighten Your Social Calendar – Politely decline invitations that require travel or high energy if you’re feeling run-down. If you must socialize, suggest a low-key indoor activity instead of a strenuous outing. Let the weather be your boundary-setter.
- Practice Low-Energy Hobbies – Pick up a hobby you can do from your couch, like crafting, reading, working on puzzles, or watching a relaxing YouTube video—anything that engages your mind without draining your body.
Ultimately, whether you struggle with fatigue, depression, or both, remember that your worth is not tied to your productivity. Use this season to rest, recover, and feel less FOMO or pressure about doing all the things everyone else seems to be doing.
