Is anyone else (in the Southern Hemisphere) in total hibernation mode at the moment?
Lately, once the clock strikes anything after 5pm, the thought of stepping foot outside into the darkness that awaits fills me with dread. Something very exciting or special has to be happening to get me out the door.
Maybe it’s the temperature, being in my 30s and a huge advocate for JOMO (joy of missing out lol), maybe it’s just because I love my home life so much but this winter, I just want to stay inside. This is not a funk, this is a way of life, a lifestyle choice in the form of Hermit Girl Winter!!
Inside, it’s quiet, we put the fire on, order something delicious to eat or cook something nourishing. Inside, my two cats negotiate with each other to both fit together on my lap for a cosy sleep - which doubles as a hot water bottle x 2 in cat form, we watch The Bear or Love Island UK or rewatch Gilmore Girls for the 15th time. Inside is the best.
Having weekends with little to no plans is a luxury and my ideal scenario. Free days and nights = heaven. Will I do nothing at all? Will I go for a long walk? Who knows! I get to decide. It’s all up to me.
The last few weekends have been like this and it’s been so restorative. Angus and I have been working through little jobs around the house, completing odd tasks that have been on the to-do list for months - like finally painting the shelves near the fireplace - and it feels so nice.
Hermitting is also a time to recover and restore your energy levels, guilt-free rotting at its finest.
Over committing or saying yes to things you really want to say no to can take a toll. Knowing what serves you best and then moving in that direction is the goal but can be tricky to execute if your people-pleasing takes over your own needs.
As someone who is no stranger to burnout, I try my best to pay attention to any signs of it reappearing and take care of myself to avoid it happening again.
As a pro Hermit-er, you really don’t need a lot. A couch, blanket, something cosy to wear, a TV series you can binge, food, a phone to scroll, a book to devour. But of course, little luxuries also feel so nice.
Here’s some other bits that take Hermit Girl Winter to the next level.
I’m enjoying this season of downtime so much. I know the second I land in Europe in early August I’ll be ready to emerge from my cocoon. I think my main point in all of this is to listen to your body and honour your feelings. If you are yearning for quiet and a lot of downtime, don’t be afraid to stay in. FOMO, who?!
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xx
Fellow sydney-sider & this is my exact vibe rn. My word for the winter has been ✨rejuvantion✨
Loving these recs while enjoying my hermit girl summer in California! Even at 90 degrees, I’m all about PJs and slippers. 🐚