01: Winter Isn’t a Problem to Solve
It’s Winter. My vote is for leaning into slowing down. Not ramping up big plans.
I still feel pressure to reinvent everything and go go go in January. Everywhere I look other founders are doing huge things so it’s easy to assume you’re falling behind.
Yesterday, I took myself out of the noise and went for a solo beach walk. No podcasts, no calls - just space, salt air, and enough quiet to hear what I actually think. It reminded me that winter is built for nurturing, not speed. The energy of the year sits below the surface, gathering, listening, settling into what’s next without forcing it.
Tea has no interest in rushing you.
If you rush a brew, you flatten it. If you stay with it, flavour develops. The point is not control - it is conditions. Water, leaf, cup, attention. Over time, it teaches you to stay with uncertainty without spiralling.
Next time you make tea, try this:
Make one cup with no agenda.
Not to feel calmer or to improve yourself. Just to practice presence.
While the water heats, do one thing at a time.
While it steeps, notice where your energy is being spent too quickly.
While you drink, let the moment be complete without needing to produce anything.
What needs conserving right now - time, attention, energy, boundaries?
Tell me what you’re conserving this week.
p.s. check out White teas here where you’ll also find recipes and brewing guides.
📷 Erica Moore, The Tea Mind (tea on a blanket with a quote “Winter builds reserves. Slow down now; spring will thank you.”
02: How scientists are shining light on the biology behind seasonal affective disorder
This Guardian article notes that scientists are finding that seasonal affective disorder is rooted in our biology, with reduced daylight disrupting circadian rhythms that regulate sleep, hormones, energy, and mood. Large-scale studies reportedly show these seasonal effects are widespread and measurable, and that treatments like light therapy, morning sunlight, and targeted cognitive behavioural therapy can significantly reduce symptoms by realigning our internal clocks.
Read now: The Guardian
📷 A person walking their dog along Scarborough beach at sunrise in winter. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA
03: How to Avoid the Dreaded Winter Slump
Winter sadness isn’t just in your head - it’s written into your biology, shaped by light, sleep, and our internal clocks. This article reveals what scientists are learning about why winter hits us so hard - and how simple, evidence-backed interventions can help.
Read now: Marie Claire
📷 (Image credit: Getty Images)
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
The Tea Mind is reader-supported. To get new posts (and support my work), consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.