Health
Need a 'winter reset'? Experts share benefits of slowing down during colder months
Are you acting like it’s summer during the winter months?
That’s what TikTok users have been asking as conversations about slowing down during the winter are going viral.
For instance, TikTok creator Alex Mazerolle, a New York yoga instructor, posted a video on Jan. 3 referring to a chat with a friend. She asked him, “Are you acting like it’s summer when it’s winter?”
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER THIS FALL AND WINTER: WISE WAYS TO WARD OFF THE BLUES, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS
“I was just thinking of how much we deny ourselves of our winter,” she said in the video, which so far has more than one million views.
“We think we need to be like summer all the time.”
Mazerolle went on to detail how people are expected to be rested after time off for the holidays — “if you were lucky” — and then jump into a reset in the New Year.
“I want to remind you that winter just started,” she said.
“Right now is the time for dreaming, going within, resting and taking it slow.”
When we act as if it’s summer all the time, one expert said, “we deny our bodies a much-needed interlude.” (iStock)
In an email exchange with Fox News Digital, Mazerolle reiterated that winter is a time of “rest and reflection.”
“If we look to nature, we see that the days are shorter, we experience less light and many animals are hibernating,” she said. “All of this points to conserving our energy and getting rest for the seasons ahead.”
RUNNING COULD EASE DEPRESSION AS MUCH AS MEDICATION, STUDY FINDS: ‘EXTEND THE ARSENAL’
When we act as though it’s summer all the time, she added, “we deny our bodies a much-needed interlude.”
“Staying busy, productive and social may be beneficial for some folks year-round, but in my experience, taking a break from our fast-paced lives is essential,” Mazerolle said.
The yoga instructor acknowledged that this may be difficult for some people, since society puts “a lot of emphasis on ‘doing’ versus ‘being.’”
Winter is a time of “rest and reflection,” a yoga instructor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“To me, wintering means slowing down, and when we slow down, we often have to face what we have been distracting ourselves from,” she said. “This could look like difficult emotions, feeling guilty for not doing enough or actually coming to terms with physical and/or mental burnout.”
“Right now is the time for dreaming, going within, resting and taking it slow.”
“Many of us would rather pretend it’s summer all the time instead of getting still enough to be present with what’s happening inside of us,” Mazerolle went on. “I call it ‘tending to our inner landscape.’”
Other creators tackled the same concept, including CTA-certified life coach Sarah Welch (@selfexperimenting), who posted a video on Jan. 16 that alerted her viewers to “cut themselves some slack.”
WANT A BIT MORE SLEEP? HITTING THAT SNOOZE BUTTON ISN’T ALWAYS BAD, STUDY FINDS
“If you’re somebody who’s been beating themselves up because you’re not being as productive, you’re not seeing your friends as much, you’ve put on a little bit of weight, or you feel like you’re constantly exhausted, give yourself a little bit of grace,” she said in the video, which has been viewed more than three million times.
The Kentucky-based coach, whose focus is self-discovery and personal growth, told Fox News Digital via email that seasonal changes can impact “mood and energy.”
“Understanding how nature’s cycles affect us enables us to make sense of our behaviors and feelings,” she said.
WANT TO AVOID BURNOUT? AUTHOR SAYS WORKING MORE ‘ISN’T ACTUALLY GETTING MORE DONE’
“This awareness leads to a deeper respect both for ourselves and the environment, recognizing its significant role in shaping our lives.”
Relaxation during the winter is “essential,” Welch said, as it “aligns with the body’s natural rhythm.”
A certified life coach said that “understanding how nature’s cycles affect us enables us to make sense of our behaviors and feelings.” (iStock)
“This period of rest is crucial for mental and physical rejuvenation,” she said. “It’s a time for reflecting, healing and conserving energy.”
“Additionally, the winter season often brings about a sense of calm and quietude, offering an ideal backdrop for relaxation and self-care activities,” Welch added.
“We underestimate how profoundly light affects all aspects of our health, our functioning and our sleep.”
Allowing yourself to relax during the winter could lead to “improved well-being, greater productivity and a more balanced lifestyle once the more active seasons return,” the life coach said.
Dr. Wendy Troxel, a Utah-based sleep expert and senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, pointed out that we live in a “chronically sleep-deprived society.”
WANT TO BE A MORNING PERSON? THESE 6 EXPERT TIPS MAY GET YOU THERE
“About one-third of adults regularly don’t get enough sleep,” she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “And a much larger percentage, about 70%, regularly don’t get good quality sleep.”
Winter should be a time to prioritize sleep, Troxel said, but added that it goes “beyond the season.”
Dr. Wendy Troxel, senior behavioral scientist at RAND Corporation, is the author of “Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep” and the scientific adviser for SleepFoundation.org. (Diane Baldwin)
“We need to change our attitudes about sleep more broadly,” she said.
Data supports the benefits of slowing down in the winter to accommodate major changes, Troxel noted, including less light exposure.
ON PTSD AWARENESS DAY, IMPORTANT HELP FOR VETERANS, MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS IN SEARCH OF BETTER SLEEP
“Human beings are truly creatures of light, and we underestimate how profoundly light affects all aspects of our health, our functioning and our sleep,” she said.
The expert recommended “having some grace with oneself” and recognizing that you may need more sleep during this season.
Less sunlight in a day can help facilitate earlier bedtimes, she noted — “that tendency to want to hibernate in the winter can be facilitated by the fact that it’s dark out at night.”
An expert encouraged people to seek out available treatments for seasonal depression or fatigue. (iStock)
Quality of sleep is just as important as quantity, however, noted Troxel.
While some people may feel more fatigued by the lack of sunlight and colder weather, excessive sleep may not always be beneficial in the long run.
“Although there might be a tendency to want more sleep in the winter, the quality of that sleep sometimes suffers,” she said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“We want to line up the strategies that will also support good sleep quality, so that doesn’t mean catching sleep wherever you can or sleeping in excessively.”
For those who are struggling with low energy in the winter, Troxel suggested increasing exposure to light by getting outside in the morning or investing in artificial methods like light boxes.
A sleep expert emphasized the importance of light exposure to boost energy levels. (iStock)
Rather than focusing on “winter” and “summer” versions of themselves, Troxel encouraged people to find a way to “recharge their battery” throughout the year and recognize the effects of light on their bodies, brains and behavior.
“So, have some grace with oneself, but … I think we need to recognize the mechanisms that are influencing those changes seasonally and try to find strategies to cope with that,” she said.
Some energy-boosting strategies include social interactions, physical activity and enjoyable activities and hobbies, Troxel suggested.
“That might mean taking time for oneself and engaging in self-care,” she said. “But I would say we need to think about that throughout the year. It’s not just a seasonal thing.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.
But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.
Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.
VIRAL ALL-WHITE WELLNESS PUSH COULD BOOST MENTAL HEALTH — HERE ARE 4 ESSENTIALS TO CONSIDER
Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.
Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com
Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)
A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.
Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.
BACKYARD BIRDING IS BOOMING — HERE ARE MUST-HAVE GIFTS TOPPING WISH LISTS THIS SEASON
“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.
Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.
Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.
Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.
She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.
Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com
Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)
Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.
Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”
Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com
Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)
When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.
“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.
Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com
A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.
Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)
“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.
“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Comedian Amy Schumer, 44, has recently come clean about her struggle with Cushing’s syndrome, leading to a dramatic weight loss.
Schumer’s transformation has sparked conversation online, to which she responded in a now-deleted Instagram post that shut down speculation about cosmetic enhancements.
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” she emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler.
AMY SCHUMER DROPPED 50 POUNDS TO BATTLE DISEASE THAT ‘CAN KILL YOU’ IF UNTREATED
Schumer doubled down that her weight loss was not about her appearance, but about staying alive.
“Not to look hot, which does feel fun and temporary,” she said. “I did it to survive. I had a disease that makes your face extremely puffy that can kill you, but the internet caught it and that disease has cleared.”
Amy Schumer attends Variety’s 2024 Power of Women: New York event on May 2, 2024, in New York City on the left. On the right, Schumer later poses for a photo posted to Instagram after her weight loss. (Marleen Moise/WireImage; Amy Schumer/Instagram)
“Sorry for whatever feeling it’s giving you that I lost that weight,” she added. “I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro]. Sorry to anyone they let down. I’m pain free. I can [play] tag with my son.”
ON A GLP-1? HOW TO SURVIVE HOLIDAY MEALS WITHOUT DERAILING YOUR PROGRESS
The actress also addressed her shifting hormones, saying that she’s “happy to share more if anyone has any questions about how I’m looking or feeling or where I am in my perimenopause process.”
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” Schumer emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler. (Amy Schumer/Instagram)
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Schumer previously revealed that she had been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can cause extreme swelling, fatigue and potentially fatal complications.
Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss specialist in New Jersey, provided more details on the condition in an interview with Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged, high exposure to cortisol, which is your body’s main stress hormone,” he said. “Usually, the excess cortisol is a result of prolonged steroid use. We see this many times with patients who have some autoimmune disorder.”
Balazs said the “key” to Cushing’s syndrome is not just weight gain, but a “specific redistribution” of fat caused by too much cortisol.
Amy Schumer is photographed during a guest interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Feb. 13, 2024 (left), and later seen walking through midtown New York City on Oct. 28, 2025 (right). (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images; Raymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images)
Fat may be driven to the abdomen, chest, upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”) or face, sometimes considered “moon face,” the doctor said.
Cortisol also breaks down protein, which leads to a thinning in the arms and legs. “Weight gain can be tough, involuntary and hard to manage,” Balazs added.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Cortisol stimulates “hunger centers” in the brain, raises blood sugar and promotes fat storage, especially deep belly fat, according to the doctor.
Cushing’s syndrome can also cause high blood pressure, bone loss and sometimes type 2 diabetes, per Mayo Clinic.
In addition to weight gain in certain areas, other symptoms may include pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts and underarms, as well as acne, slow wound healing, and thin, frail skin that bruises easily.
With Cushing’s syndrome, fat may accumulate in the abdomen, chest, face or upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”). (iStock)
Women with Cushing’s syndrome often experience thick, dark hair on the face and body, as well as irregular periods. Symptoms among men can include a lower sex drive, reduced fertility and erectile dysfunction.
Mayo Clinic listed other potential symptoms, including extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, trouble with concentration and memory, headache, sleeplessness, skin darkening and stunted growth in children.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Those with symptoms should contact their doctor immediately, especially if they are taking steroids to treat health issues like asthma, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, as these medications can exacerbate the condition.
The Mayo Clinic has reported that the “sooner treatment starts, the better the chances for recovery.”
“I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro],” Schumer stated in a social media post. (George Frey/Bloomberg)
For patients like Schumer, weight loss is typically not the main goal, Balazs noted, but it is a “critical sign” of successful treatment.
“The primary goal is to normalize your high cortisol levels,” he said. “I believe Amy Schumer got treated first for her underlying problem. Once the cortisol is normalized, which is the most important step, there’s a role to use adjunct medications to decrease weight.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Among GLP-1s, Mounjaro is an “excellent choice to decrease deep belly fat and increase insulin sensitivity of cells,” Balazs added.
Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.
Fox News Digital reached out to Schumer’s rep requesting comment.
Hegseth to highlight rebuilding the ‘arsenal of freedom’ in speech at Reagan National Defense Forum
Sherrod Brown pitches himself as blue-collar populist while raking in cash from Hollywood celebrities
High-stakes map fight: Here are the next battlegrounds in the Trump vs. Democrats redistricting showdown
North Carolina teen sues school after Charlie Kirk tribute sparked ‘criminal investigation’ and censorship
Rioters arrested after attacking ICE vehicles in New York City; officials say group organized on social media
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Trump’s election win filled Hamas with ‘fear,’ hostage held like ‘slave’ for 505 days recounts
In Khartoum, exhumation of makeshift graves reawakens families’ grief
Manhunt under way for attacker after two students killed at US university
Video: At Least Two Killed in Shooting at Brown University
FBI ousts reinstated whistleblower over unauthorized media talks, ‘poor judgment’
-
Alaska1 week agoHowling Mat-Su winds leave thousands without power
-
Texas1 week agoTexas Tech football vs BYU live updates, start time, TV channel for Big 12 title
-
Washington5 days agoLIVE UPDATES: Mudslide, road closures across Western Washington
-
Iowa1 week agoMatt Campbell reportedly bringing longtime Iowa State staffer to Penn State as 1st hire
-
Miami, FL1 week agoUrban Meyer, Brady Quinn get in heated exchange during Alabama, Notre Dame, Miami CFP discussion
-
Cleveland, OH1 week agoMan shot, killed at downtown Cleveland nightclub: EMS
-
Iowa1 day agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
World7 days ago
Chiefs’ offensive line woes deepen as Wanya Morris exits with knee injury against Texans
