As the longest night and shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice on December 21st is a nature-based holiday honoring the relationship between light and dark. I appreciate the weeks before and after this special day as a time of inner stillness, when we have the least exposure to one of our greatest sources of energy—the sun. With more darkness, it’s easier to embrace our natural need for rest, allowing our bodies, minds, and spirits to pause. Just as bears hibernate and trees enter an energy-saving mode to survive the winter months, we can become attuned to the subtle power of the season by slowing down.

There are many meditative techniques and self-care actions that can help us move through life at a slower pace, and I’d like to suggest a very simple and practical one—taking a nap! Whether 15 minutes of rest with your eyes closed, or an hour or two of deep slumber in the middle of the day, a winter nap can bring your energy into harmony with the relaxed rhythm of the natural world.