Rest: A Fresh Perspective Inspired by Katherine May’s ‘Wintering’

In the performing arts and entertainment industries, taking a break can feel like a rebellious act.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often forget to prioritise rest.

In the performing arts and entertainment industries, which are so focused on productivity (and increasingly on achieving more with less), taking a break might feel like a rebellious act. But Katherine May's book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, offers a fresh perspective that encourages us to see rest as a vital part of a contented and fulfilled life. She reminds us that slowing down, enjoying our free time, getting enough sleep, and prioritising rest aren’t just luxuries—they're essential for lasting change and well-being.

The Impact of "Wintering’

When I read Katherine May’s Wintering, it was like a breath of fresh air. It gave me the green light to do those ‘unfashionable’ things: slowing down, expanding my free time, getting enough sleep, and most importantly, resting. This book changed how I see rest, turning it from something I only did when I slept, into a deliberate practice that I now build my life and work around.

Rest as Sacred Fuel

Wintering draws us to something we so often miss: rest is crucial. By seeing rest as sacred fuel for sustainable change, we can shift from viewing it as a passive activity to recognizing its active role in boosting creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. Rest isn't about stepping back from life—it's about making it a core part of our lives.

Implementing DAILY restful practices

Inspired by Wintering, here are several restful practices which you can bring into your daily routine:

Slowing Down
Taking things slower helps reduce stress and increases mindfulness. This means setting realistic goals, taking regular breaks, and not multitasking.

Expanding Free Time
Letting free time expand means making room for activities that bring joy and relaxation, like reading a book, going for a walk, or simply doing nothing. It also requires us to honour our boundaries by saying no.

Getting Enough Sleep
Good sleep is crucial for both body and mind. This involves sticking to a sleep schedule, creating a peaceful sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bed.

Making Rest a Priority
Scheduling rest into your day is just as important as any other activity. This could mean setting time aside for meditation, taking a nap, or enjoying a hobby that relaxes you.

Allow Fallow Days, Weeks and Months…and Years
We all have times in our lives when we are called to withdraw and turn inward. Nature does this so beautifully. If we can embrace the quiet and trust its transformative power (rather than resist it) then it will help to build a bridge between where we are, and where we want to be.

Restorative and Yin Yoga
Restorative and Yin Yoga are wonderful practices to help you slow down. These practices give you the freedom to feel what rest gives you, as well as the power and inspiration to wish for more in your life.

By embracing practices like slowing down, expanding free time, getting enough sleep, prioritising rest and allowing fallow periods, we can change how we see rest and make it a vital part of our lives. This helps us live a more balanced, fulfilling, and resilient life

‘Life meanders like a path through the woods. We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.’

- Katherine May

If you’re struggling to slow down and rest, I can help. Find out more about coaching with me.

Photo by Max Andrey via Pexels.