Winter feels harder and no, it’s not because you’re lazy, unmotivated, or “bad at discipline.”

In this episode of No More Playing Small, we’re talking about wintering, the natural, biological need to slow down, rest, and conserve energy during the darker months, and why trying to live at summer-level productivity in winter is a fast track to burnout.

Inspired by Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat by Katherine May, I unpack why motivation dips, why everything takes longer, and why forcing yourself to “push through” winter often leads to anxiety, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm later in the year.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why slowing down is not weakness, why rest is productive, and how embracing wintering can actually set you up for a calmer, more energised year ahead.

✨ Get cosy, grab a blanket, and let’s reframe winter together.

Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_

Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.

Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_

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