Our autumn season was punctuated by coziness. Now we’re hunkering down for winter. I am actively pursuing positive mental health to keep my family and myself not only afloat but buoyant in our winter rhythm.
Several years ago I read a few books that had underlying themes of enjoying the cold or dreary seasons. I’ve since taken the advice to heart and sought out joy or wonder in ordinary, forgotten, or neglected portions of life.
Last spring as we were wrapping up our school year, I focused heavily on creating different seasonal rhythms within our school and home. Those same rhythms have continued to pull on my heart through autumn and now that it’s winter. Much of our Christmas break is carrying over into our new year. While I typically strive to wake up early to get started on our day in a timely manner, I’ve set that aside for this season. I’ve turned off my alarm, and I’ve been letting the kids watch a little extra tv – Tuttle Twins and The Creators for the win! I’m more willing to cook up a warm breakfast or lunch for the children and myself. I linger over my cup of coffee and time in the Bible. I brew copious amounts of tea. And I run the space heater.
Routine for Mental Health
We’ve thrown out a rigid routine for this season, but we haven’t thrown out our routine altogether. We all benefit from a routine and challenging ourselves with hard things. This is not a season of rest. Routine gives us sense of purpose and place. We are still going to maintain making beds, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and devoting ourselves to school. But maybe we’ll stay in our pajamas if it’s a rainy day. Maybe we’ll watch an extra movie or documentary so that we can spend a little extra time snuggling under warm blankets.
Movement for Mental Health
I absolutely have to go out of my way to make it a point for us to get outside. I’m NOT a fan of the cold, but I know how beneficial it is for us to get outside. A brisk walk or nature observation is incredibly good for our mental health. I also have to prioritize indoor exercise. That is also not my favorite. When I’m outside exercising, I don’t view it as work, but I sure do when I’m inside. I open all the blinds to help motivate me, but it’s not quite the same. I’m also becoming very aware of the types of body movements I’m making. I’m someone who is often lost in my thoughts and find myself clasping my arms as if to protect myself and my soul. I’ve been trying to do the opposite – making big movements – big strides, outstretched arms, lifted hands.
Reading for Mental Health
I’m taking more classes through The House of Humane Letters again this year, have a list of books to read along with The Literary Life Podcast, and another long list of books to read for learning and for fun. I have found that I’ve recently been reading several non-fiction or very heavy fictional books. I want to have a little more balance, so I’ve thrown in a mystery to help. I’ve even changed around a few of the books I’m reading with the kids.
Every year our church spends three days reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. People in the congregation sign up for 20 minute blocks to read where the last person left off. There is something very powerful in reading Scripture out loud.
I’m also reading my Scripture cards out loud in the morning and evening. I have stored up anxiety (hello, living in your mind) that I am actively using ALL my senses to release and heal by storing up new memories and stories. I also actively pursue at least two if not more daily activities that I know contribute to this new story – movement, cooking, art, knitting, tea drinking.
Music and Art for Mental Health
I cannot quote the book word by word since I don’t have it in my possession, but I read quite a few good things in the book Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine Pittman. While I already knew that singing was good for you, there is science behind why it’s good for you. I’m making it a point in this season to sing… a lot… out loud… and often. Did you know there’s also science behind artist study within the Charlotte Mason method? It’s good for your mind’s attention and for your soul’s rest. The attention you are giving with your eye movements are triggering rest in your brain. Again, I don’t have the exact study or brain names, so you’re welcome to link in the comments to some such things if you so desire.
Education for Mental Health
During 2023 my husband was pursuing the phrase “out with the old, in with the new.” Our spring/summer was ruled by “rhythms” and our autumn by “cozy.” I planned to be quite a bit further along in school this year. How are we only at week 13 when we’ve been doing school since August? As I reflected on what we have and haven’t done, I saw just how much we HAVE done. We’ve traveled every month; we’ve had sickness every month; we’ve followed our rhythm every month. Now that I see that our school year is going to linger into June (far later than I planned), I’ve come to the conclusion that we need a goal or mantra to keep us going. We’re going to use the philosophy of Charlotte Mason and remind ourselves that education is a life. We will keep filling our days with academics but mostly with what is feeding our souls in this moment and for our future.
Whatever season you are in, I hope you will take full advantage of your winter.
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