Winter can be tough
Winter blues aren’t just about mood. They intersect with access, energy management, mental health, and inclusion. And too often, we talk about productivity without acknowledging that simply getting through the season can take real effort.
Shorter days, less sunlight, and long stretches indoors can quietly drain energy and motivation — especially for people with disabilities, chronic conditions, or pain that’s affected by cold, fatigue, or seasonal shifts.
Winter blues aren’t just about mood. They intersect with access, energy management, mental health, and inclusion. And too often, we talk about productivity without acknowledging that simply getting through the season can take real effort.
Lately, I’ve been giving myself permission to lean into small joys and intentional resets — not as “escapes,” but as tools for resilience.
Here’s what’s been helping me recharge lately:
- New shows: All Her Fault (highly recommend if you like suspense)
- Movies: The RIP and catching up on Hallmark movies (the best of both worlds)
- New recipes: chocolate espresso cookies and pineapple chicken
- Experimenting as a home barista: frozen peppermint hot chocolate
- Reorganized my home office: small changes, big impact on focus and energy (coworkers have assured me that it's totally acceptable to keep my Grinch tree up)
- Playing board games and doing jigsaw puzzles: low-stakes fun that actually helps me disconnect and reset
- New book: The Wedding People
None of these “fix” winter — but they help create moments of comfort, predictability, and joy. And that matters.
As leaders, colleagues, and allies, winter is a good reminder to:
- extend flexibility and grace
- normalize lower-energy seasons
- design work and culture that doesn’t assume everyone shows up the same way year-round
Disability inclusion isn’t seasonal — but how we support people through the seasons absolutely is.
What small things are helping you get through winter right now?
