Chapter 1: The Art of Slowing Down

Over the years, I've gradually learned a valuable lesson, particularly during the holiday season: doing less is often more beneficial. Seriously, less really can mean more. Embracing stillness and quietude has become a key takeaway for me, especially after years of chaotic holiday experiences. Admittedly, I'm still navigating the nuances of this realization.

For instance, after the festive season, I often feel a strong desire to set a multitude of ambitious resolutions to kickstart the New Year. This impulse feels especially pronounced this year, as I look to recover from the difficulties of 2020. However, I've started allowing this urge to surface, acknowledge its suggestions, and then let it fade away.

It's important to clarify that this permission to let go doesn't stem from a belief that I'm perfect as I am (not at all). I recognize that there's always more to discover and create in life. However, I find that I no longer feel the pressure to reinvent myself in favor of indulging in a restful hibernation during the winter months.

As highlighted by Nora Zelevansky in Elemental, traditional practices like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) support this mindset. The reality is that the longer nights and shorter days are part of our human experience; the cold season has always beckoned us to seek comfort and rest. There are tangible health benefits to this approach, including a deeper connection with oneself (often leading to greater insights), alignment with nature's rhythms (which, despite modern conveniences like electricity, are still ingrained in our biology), and the essential act of slowing down—a crucial ally in the ongoing battle against stress. The winter months naturally encourage this behavior, yet the flood of health and fitness promotions during this time can easily distract us from these cues.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Rest

After such a challenging year, I hope that many of us can recognize the importance of rest as we step into 2021. My body—much wiser than my mind—won't allow me to overlook this opportunity for genuine rest before the arrival of the warmer seasons. There will be time to push and strive later; for now, I choose to embrace hibernation.

Chapter 2: Exploring Hibernation in Human Health

In this video, "How hibernation can help improve human medicine," the discussion revolves around the potential health benefits derived from understanding hibernation. It explores how insights from hibernating animals can inform human health practices and enhance well-being.

Another insightful video, "Can humans hibernate?" by Vladyslav Vyazovskiy at TEDxLimassol, delves into the concept of human hibernation, examining whether it's a possibility and what implications it might have for our health and lifestyle.