Why Winter Is A Great Time To Write

If you look at Mother Nature, autumn is when the leaves start to fall. Letting go is the mantra and underlying message of the season. By the time winter arrives, trees become bare. Winter is a time when nature’s energy withdraws back unto herself. We see fewer birds in the sky. Days become shorter. The air becomes crisper and colder. Animals start to hibernate. And the human desire to be outdoors, for the most part, is lowered.

According to Ayurveda, a person is a miniature reflection of nature. Like the plants and animals around us, winter also slows us down. It bares our soul. If you take cues from nature, winter reminds us to take stock of our lives. It represents a time for much needed restoration. As writers, we all understand the massive importance of pausing, reflecting, and recharging, no?

Winter allows us to find our voice in the stillness. Winter helps us stay in the present moment. Writing requires introspection. Writing urges the writer to connect with their inner self. Winter allows us to curl up around books and our own words. All of the above is key to creativity.

Even though winter can be magical for writers and their writing, it’s easy to lose sight of this sense of wonder. I know that January-February (Here in the North East) get a bad reputation—the freezing temperatures and multiple layers of clothing are just some of the inconveniences brought about by the cold season. Unless you are into winter sports, these months can feel stifling on some days.

During winter, it seems the world comes to a standstill. But on the bright side: without the distractions of numerous social activities, during winter one can spend time with solitude, which is integral to writing. One feels less FOMO (fear of missing out) this time of the year. And that is because there are fewer book launches, barbeques, brunches, weddings, literary readings, or other events nudging us to step out, walk away from our writing, and commit to late nights. One can intentionally establish more control over our writing schedule and social commitments. Winter gives the opportunity to discipline our creative habits, so we can meet those deadlines.

Writing demands spending time alone. And doing so becomes so much easier when the world around you is not up in a frenzy. Winter, for a writer, is a time of contemplation and deep thought. It creates opportunities to reflect on the year and experiences. It compels us to sit with discomfort and address those stories that keep us awake at night.

If winter gets you down, you are not alone. But a slight shift in mindset can make the bitter cold months some of your most productive ones. Winter: the season when we can write. We can edit. We can hone our craft. We can learn new techniques to enhance our writing. Winter: when the world around us slows down.

Huddle up. Allow the chai and coffee aroma to permeate the walls of your homes. Make room for the words to percolate before the days become warmer and birds return to their homes. And, we humans, struggle to carve out writing time amidst the million distractions. Instead of thinking of winter as a cruel cousin, think of it as a silent benefactor who is supporting your creative pursuits.

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BIO: Sweta Srivastava Vikram (www.swetavikram.com), featured by Asian Fusion as “one of the most influential Asians of our time,” is a mindset & Ayurveda coach, international speaker, and best-selling author of 12 books, including Louisiana Catch. She is a five-times Pushcart Prize nominee whose work has appeared in The New York Times, amongst other publications, across nine countries on three continents. As a trusted source on health and wellness, most recently appearing on NBC and Radio Lifeforce, Sweta has dedicated her career to writing about and teaching a more holistic approach to creativity, productivity, and wellness.

Born in India, Sweta spent her formative years between the Indian Himalayas, North Africa, and the United States collecting and sharing stories. Winner of the “Voices of the Year Award,” (past recipients have been Chelsea Clinton and founders of the #MeToo movement) in her spare time, Sweta uses yoga to empower female survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. A graduate of Columbia University, she lives in NYC with her husband and works with clients globally. Find her on: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

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Category: How To and Tips, On Writing