Episode Summary
Late January can feel heavy. The “fresh start” buzz is gone, and spring feels miles away. In this episode, Erica explores wintering as a real practice (not an Instagram aesthetic), guided by the Water element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - quiet, deep, steady energy - paired with white tea. You’ll learn how to conserve your reserves now, so you’re resourced for the coming months.
In this episode, we cover:
Why late January often feels harder than we expect (and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing).
How the Water element (TCM) frames winter: conservation, restoration, and working with fear rather than fighting it.
A river metaphor for resilience: water doesn’t battle the rock - it adapts and keeps moving.
Why “flow” isn’t doing more, it’s reducing internal noise.
A 3-minute tea-and-journaling ritual to build steadiness and protect your energy.
Resources and Links
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/438893/wintering-by-katherine-may/9781846045998
Winter, the Water element (Kidneys, reserves, fear) and Traditional Chinese Medicine article - Ear Spheres.
https://www.earspheres.co.uk/post/winter-the-water-element-in-chinese-medicine-rest-renewal-and-returning-to-your-depthsExpressive writing research overview. https://cssh.northeastern.edu/pandemic-teaching-initiative/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2020/10/Pennebaker-Expressive-Writing-in-Psychological-Science.pdf
Make sure you’re getting eteaket’s Tea Mail to be the first to discover our awesome teas, like these white teas.
Gentle note
If a low mood feels heavy, persistent, or scary, please reach out to a professional or someone you trust. Seasonal dips are common and support helps.
Resources for Mental Wellbeing: https://health-in-mind.org.uk/how-we-can-help/resources/
Resources for crisis support: https://health-in-mind.org.uk/how-we-can-help/get-help-now/ (Scotland) and https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (England & Wales)
Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.
If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.
Erica x
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