how to survive winter.

January is my least favorite month of the year. February isn’t much better, but at least it’s shorter.

I can do all the calendar blocking and mental health walks I want—I still just want to hide and hibernate.

Honestly, whose idea was it to start the new year in the coldest, most unmotivating month? Wouldn’t April make more sense? What about May?

So, I figured I had two options: move to Australia where the seasons are the other way around, or learn how to deal with it.

After 30+ years, I’ve finally figured out something that works for me. January and I aren’t besties, but we’re learning to coexist.

I give myself extra time for tasks, focus on small, doable steps, and ask for support the minute I feel overwhelmed.

And most importantly, I keep my expectations low—or at least “low” by my own standards. I know that as soon as spring arrives, I’ll get things done twice as quickly (and in a much better mood).

I partly blame society’s cookie-cutter life goals and corporate performance reviews for pushing the idea that we should function at the same pace all year round.

But now that I’m lucky enough to opt out, I do. A slower, softer start to the year makes the other eleven months all the more productive—and a lot happier, too.

about the author:

Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.