First Advent: How to Anchor Yourself and Set the Tone for Winter Self Care

First Advent in the Schwarzwald © Justine Ferland 2025

As the first Sunday of Advent arrives, winter quietly shifts our rhythm. Days are shorter, evenings darker, and our bodies naturally slow down. The first Advent invites us to pause, notice, and anchor ourselves before the holiday rush begins.

This winter season isn’t about doing more; it’s about aligning with your natural energy and the world around you. This is a powerful time to cultivate stability, presence, and resilience through tapping into your winter self care practices.

SEELEDU Anchor Practice Tips

Morning Light & Awareness: Step outside for 5–10 minutes or open a window. Natural light cues your circadian rhythm, helping you feel awake and aligned.

Somatic Grounding: Gentle movement like stretching, rolling your shoulders, or taking some mindful steps outdoors, reinforces presence and anchors your experience.

Warmth & Co-Regulation: Hold a warm cup of tea, light a candle, or sit with a pet. Physical warmth signals your body it’s safe to relax.

Mindful Pause: Take 2–3 minutes mid-day to breathe deeply, scan your body, or journal one sentence about what you notice.

Closing Reflection

Your First Advent practice is about landing in the season and choosing one anchor.

Notice: what supports you today?

This small act compounds, setting a steady tone for the rest of winter.

If you appreciate seasonal guidance like this, join my free community newsletter for seasonal based practices and ways to stay grounded throughout the year. Join Root & Rise now 

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Author & Photographer: Justine Ferland

Justine Ferland is a passionate psychologist, educator, and coach who brings over 20 years of experience to her work. As the founder of SEELEDU, she specializes in integrating nature for  enhanced well-being. 

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