1208: Winter As Medicine For Anxiety How Cold Snow And Slowing Down Support The Nervous System
In today's episode, Gina shares her thoughts and feelings about the cold winter snow, and how harmonizing with the seasons can help us support our nervous system health. The episode will help you turn into the wisdom of the earth, ground yourself in the present moment, and find more space to breathe. Listen in and turn the cold winter day into the perfect setting for rest, healing and reflection.
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Chapters
0:26 Embracing Winter's Lessons
2:23 Winter's Impact on the Nervous System
5:29 The Gift of Patience
6:49 Rest as Restoration
7:44 Physical Benefits of Cold
9:45 The Calming Power of Snow
10:59 Community in the Cold
12:01 Self-Trust and Wisdom
13:19 Winter as a Teacher
15:14 Reflecting on Winter's Gifts
Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into an unexpected topic: how winter can serve as a powerful ally in managing anxiety. I'm Gina Ryan, and I reflect on my personal journey as I navigate my first winter in Central New York after spending over two decades in the perpetual warmth of Hawaii. Moving from the lush, vibrant landscapes of Hawaii to the cold and snowy winters of New York has been a challenging yet transformative experience for me, sparking insights on the health benefits that winter can offer our nervous systems and mental health.
I begin by discussing how the cold weather presents a mild, steady stressor that can unintentionally bolster our nervous systems. Each encounter with the cold, from the first sharp breath of freezing air to the challenges of navigating snow-covered pathways, acts as a form of natural exposure therapy. Instead of succumbing to panic, we are encouraged to build resilience and presence, fostering a sense of calm amid discomfort. This winter, rather than viewing the season as something to endure, I invite listeners to consider how it can teach us tolerance and mental strength, emphasizing compassion for ourselves as we adapt to environmental challenges.
Moreover, winter grants us permission to embrace rest and reflection. I observe how nature instinctively slows down during this season, from the hibernation of wildlife to the way the trees withdraw. This natural pause offers us the rare opportunity to step back from our relentless productivity and find restoration in stillness. I share my own experience of improved sleep rhythms and a deeper emotional processing that arises when life becomes less hectic. In a world that often glorifies busyness, winter stands as a testament to the power of slowness and presence.
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