Feb 28

Feb 28 Preserve Your Inner-G: A Case for Annual Hibernation

In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, it can feel counterintuitive to embrace rest as an essential part of your success and well-being. Yet, Mother Nature provides us with an important reminder: some of the most resilient creatures thrive (surviving implied) by slowing down, retreating, and conserving their energy through hibernation. While it’s uncommon for humans to hibernate, I believe more of us should adopt a similar annual practice to conserve our energy, recalibrate our focus, preserve our Inner-G, and emerge revitalized for the seasons ahead.

By now you may be wondering what I mean by Inner-G. You may even wonder what’s the difference between conserving energy and preserving our Inner-G. Well, let me explain and hopefully this makes sense for you. And if not, take what resonates with you and leave the rest. —>

Our Inner-G is our inner glory, our inherent divinity as creations of The Creator (of all). Conserving our energy is about managing our physical and mental reserves, ensuring we have enough strength to meet our daily needs without burning out. It’s practical, necessary, and rooted in balance—knowing when to push forward and when to rest. Preserving our Inner-G, however, is about honoring the sacred nature of our existence, recognizing that our energy is more than just fuel for productivity. It’s the essence of our connection to something greater—whether that’s the universe, a higher power, or your inner wisdom. While conserving our energy helps us function, preserving our Inner-G enables us to thrive in alignment with our purpose, our spirit, and the natural rhythms of life.

Why Annual Hibernation?

Modern life can be relentless, and many of us are just trying to keep up. Work deadlines, familial obligations, and the constant noise of social media can drain us, leaving little room for deep rest and reflection. But what if, instead of pushing through exhaustion, we actually listened to our bodies and took a step back? When we overwork ourselves, neglect rest, and run on empty, we’re not just tired—we’re dimming our inner light. Taking the time to pause, reflect, and recharge isn’t just self-care; it’s an act of honoring the gift of life itself.

Across cultures and spiritual traditions, folks have recognized this and built entire rituals around preserving and replenishing it. In Hinduism, they call it "prana," the vital life force. In Christianity, it’s the light of God within. Indigenous traditions see energy as flowing through everything—earth, sky, and soul. Energy isn’t just about getting through the day—it’s our divine spark, the light that connects us all. Whether you call it your soul, your essence, or your connection to The Creator, it’s worth protecting. And sometimes, that means slowing down, recharging, and, yes, even hibernating for a bit.

7 Reasons to Consider Hibernation This Winter

If the rest of nature slows down in winter, why don’t we? Taking time each year to hibernate—to intentionally pause and prioritize rest—isn’t about being lazy. It’s an intentional act of self preservation that can help you:

Appreciate the Value of Your Being – You Deserve It. Period. Rest isn’t something you have to “earn.” It’s a necessity, not a luxury. In the words of Tricia Hersey, “You are a divine being and rest is your birthright.”
Boost Creativity: Pushing through exhaustion kills creativity. Rest fuels fresh ideas and new perspectives. Many of the most creative breakthroughs come during periods of rest or when the mind is free to wander.
Improve Well-Being: Regular periods of rest support emotional, mental, and physical health, reducing the risk of burnout. Slowing down helps clear out mental fog and gives you space to process emotions.
Reclaim Your Peace: Resting gives your body and mind a chance to recover from accumulated stress and fatigue. Less daylight and colder weather naturally make us want to rest more. Lean into it instead of forcing productivity.
Reconnect with Your Purpose: Winter is the perfect time to look inward, evaluate where you’ve been, and decide where you’re going. Stepping away from all the things allows you to reflect on your goals and (re)align them with your values.
Strengthen Your Spirituality – Many traditions, from Indigenous ceremonies to religious fasting periods, recognize the importance of seasonal renewal. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in stillness, rest helps deepen your spiritual practice.
Cultivate Stronger Relationships – Taking time to slow down allows for deeper, more intentional connections with loved ones. During a period of hibernation/solitude, it is easier to evaluate our relationships and let go of the that are draining.

How to Create Your Own Hibernation Ritual

To preserve your energy and honor your Inner-G, consider creating your own annual hibernation ritual. This doesn’t mean disappearing for months or crawling into a cave to experience the benefits of hibernation. To hibernate is to about being intentional in taking time for rest and renewal. Here are some tips to get you started in designing your own annual retreat for rest and renewal:

1. Choose Your Season

Nature’s rhythm can guide you in choosing when to hibernate. Plenty of folks feel the pull to slow down during winter when the days are shorter, and the colder weather encourages indoor activities. However, your “hibernation season” could be any time that aligns with your energy levels and responsibilities.

2. Set Boundaries

Communicate with your loved ones, colleagues, and community about your intention to step back temporarily. This might involve taking time off work, limiting social engagements, or unplugging from devices.

3. Create a Restorative Space

Transform your bedroom, car, office, or your entire home (if able) into a sanctuary for rest. Add cozy blankets, soft lighting, and nourishing foods. Use this time to indulge in activities that restore you, whether it’s reading, journaling, meditating, or simply doing nothing.

4. Reflect and Reset

Dedicate part of your hibernation to reflection. Ask yourself:

What went well this past year?
What drained my energy?
What do I want to focus on in the coming months?

Write down your thoughts and intentions. This process can help you return to daily life post-hibernation with clarity and purpose.

5. Honor Rest Beyond Hibernation

While annual hibernation can be transformative, don’t wait a full year to rest again. Integrate smaller periods of rest into your daily, weekly, or monthly mental hygiene routine to maintain balance and resilience.

Moment captured by Danielle Lawson, Natural Nerd, at Bottleworks Hotel

The Power of Embracing Rest

We’re conditioned to believe that constant motion equals success, but that’s just not sustainable. Nature takes breaks, and so should we. Whether you fully embrace a winter hibernation or just start giving yourself more grace to rest, know that your energy and your Inner-G are sacred. Honor them. Protect them. And when the time is right, you’ll shine even brighter for having taken the time to recharge.

Hibernation is a powerful reminder that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By slowing down intentionally, you’re giving yourself permission to nurture your mind, body, and soul. When you return from this sacred pause, you’ll find yourself more creative and capable of navigating life’s demands.

So, as the year unfolds, ask yourself: When will I give myself permission to hibernate? Plan your retreat, set your boundaries, and let the magic of rest restore you.

How will you integrate an annual hibernation practice into your life? Let me know in the comments below!

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