Insights
Feb 16, 2025
Winter Blues? Why Slowing Down, Syncing with the Season, and Self-Care Could Save Your January
January hits differently, doesn’t it? The colourful lights are down, the sun’s in hibernation, and the leftover holiday buzz has been replaced by empty wallets and gloomy skies. Add a culture obsessed with productivity, and it’s no wonder the winter blues come knocking. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Feeling Rubbish This January? Blame the Grind, Not Yourself!
Our founder and CEO Mamobo Ogoro, social psychologist, and Susan Quain, trainee clinical psychologist and founder of Psyclass to tackle why winter can feel so overwhelming—and, more importantly, how to take back control. Spoiler alert: it starts with slowing down, syncing with the season, and ditching that relentless grind mindset.
Why Winter Feels So Hard
Susan explained it perfectly: “We weren’t built for this 9-to-5 hustle all year round. In Ireland, it’s pitch dark by 4 PM—our bodies and minds are craving rest, not relentless productivity.”
Historically, winter was a time to conserve energy, not grind ourselves into the ground. But modern society, with its capitalist pressure to stay “on” all the time, leaves us depleted. Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly named SAD) adds another layer for many of us, amplifying feelings of low mood, fatigue, and stress.
So, What’s the Solution?
If the grind isn’t working, it’s time to try a different approach. Here’s what Mamobo and Susan recommend:
- Start Small with Self-Care
Susan’s top tip? Take tiny steps. Whether it’s three minutes of meditation (shoutout to the Headspace app) or journaling for 10 minutes in a cozy café, building small habits over time helps reduce stress without overwhelming you. - Embrace January as a Reflection Month
Forget January 1st resolutions. Use this month to rest, recharge, and reflect instead. Susan calls it “semi-hibernation” — less pressure, more space to breathe. New goals? Start them in February when the world feels a little brighter. - Sync with the Season
Winter is dark and cold—so let yourself slow down. Cozy up with a blanket, light a fire, or try yoga to soothe your mind and body. Save the intense gym sessions and long runs for sunnier days.
What About Work?
For leaders and workplaces, flexibility is key. Susan shared how some employers reduce work hours in January or allow remote working to ease stress. Even small adjustments, like letting employees leave a little earlier, can make a huge difference.
And for individuals in high-pressure jobs? Be kind to yourself. Take breaks, set boundaries, and prioritize recovery where you can.
Why It Matters
Cortisol, the stress hormone, loves to stick around when we’re constantly on edge. Over time, it can affect not just your mental health but your physical health too—think gut issues, chronic pain, and more. Starting small with self-care now can save you from burnout later.
Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Take It Slow
This January, give yourself permission to pause. It’s not about doing nothing—it’s about doing what your body and mind need. Whether it’s a five-minute breathing exercise or simply saying “no” to unnecessary stress, every step counts.
As Susan put it: “Being kind to yourself now helps you build resilience for the future. It’s never too early—or too late—to start.”
Want more? Check out our full conversation with Mamobo Ogoro and Susan Quain for even more insights and strategies.
GORM is an multi-award winning social enterprise on a mission to unify across differences and advance belonging for marginalised communities through intercultural media and education. Guided by evidence based methods such asBelonging Design Principles and Intercultural Competence Frameworks, GORM delivers its services to Elevate the voices of diverse communities through media, Enable Communities to tell their stories through community programme, and Equip leaders through evidence based intercultural consultancy. GORM aids in the sustainable goals of (10) reducing inequality and (16) Peace, justice and strong institutions.
