UXL Blog

In the upper Midwest, we’re currently making the shift to colder weather, shorter days, and (all too soon) snowfall. During this time of year, our animal instincts are telling us to prepare for the lean months ahead—a time when it’s okay to slow down, bundle up, and stay indoors. And maybe the hibernating bears and migrating geese are onto something! Studies have shown that people endure more depression and anxiety in the winter, have greater difficulty breathing, experience a drop in energy levels, and more. So, maybe it IS a good idea to start operating a little differently to prepare for the tough winter months ahead.

One thing you can do is adopt a “winter mentality” in relation to work. To set yourself up for success, consider adapting to the changing seasons by trying any of the following four tactics:

Slow Down

The winter months are the perfect time to take the advice of working “smarter not harder.” To do this, it’s a good idea to take a step back and think about your current responsibilities AND your typical work day. What are your current priorities? What are your biggest time sinks? Are you dealing with any inefficiencies? Do you often find yourself doing work that is low priority (or should be someone else’s priority?).

Once you’ve identified these areas, look for opportunities to streamline your work process. Can you delegate tasks to others? Can you automate certain repetitive tasks? Can you eliminate any unnecessary steps in your workflow? By slowing down and evaluating your work approach, you can make changes that will increase efficiency and productivity during the winter months.

Stay Organized

With the potential for increased workload and additional holiday responsibilities, staying organized is crucial during the winter season. Take time to declutter your workspace, both physical and digital. Create a system for prioritizing tasks and deadlines. Utilize tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to keep track of your responsibilities. By staying organized, you can minimize stress and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Listen To Your Body

Just like hibernating critters intuitively know when to slow down and seek shelter, so, too, is it wise to listen to your body. Our bodies are constantly sending us messages (“I’m hungry,” “I feel tense and stressed,” “I ache”) that can signal when we need to make a change. If you’re feeling exhausted, gloomy, or lethargic, it’s a good idea to take notice and respond accordingly. Take a few days off, see if you can lighten your work load, or indulge in some self-care (a massage, soaking in a hot tub, or taking a long walk in nature). Pay attention to your body’s needs and give yourself the care and rest you require to thrive during the winter months.

Adapt Your Schedule

The change in seasons can also warrant a change in your daily schedule. Consider shifting your work hours to align with the daylight hours. If you find yourself feeling more energized and productive in the morning, try starting your workday earlier. Alternatively, if you struggle with motivation in the morning and feel more alert in the evening, consider adjusting your schedule accordingly. By aligning your work schedule with your natural energy patterns, you can optimize your productivity and well-being.

We naturally tend to operate differently in the winter, and that inclination can be applied to the workplace as well. This winter, make an intentional effort to adjust your work approach (and life approach) to fit your needs. Doing so can help prevent the burnout and lethargy so many of us grapple with during the winter months. Listen to your body, slow down when needed, and focus on working at a sustainable pace. You’ve got this!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: autumn work approach, autumn work life, change work approach for success, change work approach with seasons, margaret smith career coach, success with new work approach