IMBOLC & GENTLY WAKING UP FROM WINTER

The 1st February marks Imbolc, a seasonal festival that sits in the middle of the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It’s often described as the moment when winter begins to loosen its grip and we can start to feel that Spring is coming. We start to notice that the light is slowly returning and the first signs of life start stirring beneath the surface.

We're still emerging from Winter, there’s no sudden burst of growth and colour. Instead, it’s a subtle emerging that is still gradual as we travel steadily towards Spring.

Looking at nature can be a helpful lens to view and mirror how we can also move through February — especially when it comes to respecting our nervous system, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

WHAT IS IMBOLC AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Imbolc is a traditional Celtic celebration associated with early spring. It is linked to themes of renewal, light, and potential. The days are getting longer (even if it doesn’t feel like it yet), and the natural world is preparing for growth.

Sometimes after Christmas and New Year, we are desperate to get going again after taking some time off. And sometimes we still feel tired or that the idea of setting new goals hard to stick to. If you struggle with New Year's Resolutions in January (because we are in the middle of winter where we'd traditionally need to conserve energy - see this blog post), then around Imbolc you might feel like you start to have a bit more energy.

However, you feel now, Imbolc can be a nice time to start to wake up from your winter slumber. You still don't need to rush into anything - instead choose things that feel supportive and intentional. Imbolc is an ideal time to introduce small amounts of warmth, movement, and focus — while still honouring rest.

FIVE WAYS TO WORK WITH IMBOLC ENERGY

These practices support our innate body clock but start build some momentum whilst you ease yourself out of winter.

1. Keep the body warm

Warmth helps the nervous system feel safe. Think warm drinks, layers, heated rooms, slow joint movements, or longer warm-ups before exercise.

2. Start to build a little fire

February is perfect for adding some warmth and a little fire to your movement practices. During winter we want to move slowly but adding some heat-building flows into a yoga practice, or working with other elements and meridians in yin yoga, can help to balance the slow and steady pace of winter, adding a little more energy to the system and encouraging your body to wake-up.

3. Increase your exposure to natural light

Light plays a key role in circadian rhythm regulation. Open curtains early, spend time outside during daylight hours, or position yourself near windows when possible.

4. Set intentions or start dreaming

I still believe that the Spring Equinox is the time for setting big, challenging goals, but at Imbolc ask yourself what you want to grow in the next few weeks or months. This isn't to set them in stone but to allow yourself to dream about where you might want to grow this year.

You can think about what you want to continue to nurture. What do you want to shed and leave in winter? What boundaries might help you to be the best version of you?

5. Pair fire with rest

We're still in winter! As you add a little fire back in, keep good rest hygiene. Practices like yin yoga, restorative yoga, breathwork, meditation, and Yoga Nidra help the nervous system integrate.

SEASONAL WELLBEING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

And celebrating one year of Roots & Reeds!

I've got some workshops coming up in February and a special retreat in March that help you take some time out of a busy life and connect with seasonal energy:

Embrace the Seasons

Saturday 7th February

4.30pm - 6pm

Knights Health & Fitness

Cacao, yin yoga, and yoga nidra to help you step into this new phase of the year.

We’ll explore what’s beginning to emerge and what you want to tend as the light slowly returns.

Very limited spaces left

Self-Love Slowdown

Saturday 15th February

3pm - 4.30pm

Breedon Priory Health Club

An afternoon of restorative yoga, yoga nidra, and sound bath. This session is about giving time and care to yourself, a little bit of self-love — especially if you’re usually focused on everyone else.

Very limited spaces left.

Spring Equinox Half-Day Retreat

Sunday 15th March

1pm - 5pm

The Gasworks, Sudbury

A half-day retreat and celebration designed to help you move into spring feeling grounded, clear, and supported.

The afternoon includes:

• a warming, steady yoga practice

• seasonal reflection, meditation, and journaling

• nourishing snacks and herbal teas

• restorative yoga with hands-on massage

• a closing sound bath to help you reset

This retreat is about meeting spring with energy and ease. And I'm so excited that we'll also be celebrating one year of Roots & Reeds at this retreat - expect some small surprises to mark this wonderful occasion!

NOTICE THE LIGHT AND EARLY FLOWERS

Imbolc is a time to celebrate as we move gently out of winter and a reminder not to rush where we're going. Small, consistent shifts add up.

When the sun is shining over the next few weeks open the windows, take a walk to find snowdrops and crocuses, start to tidy and organise ready for spring.

See you soon,

Helen

Helen is the founder of Roots & Reeds - Yoga and Wellness. She is a yoga teacher, breath coach and wellbeing practitioner based in Burton and Derbyshire. She specialises in restorative practices that soothe the nervous system and support people in slowing, reconnecting and finding calm in everyday life. Through yoga, breathwork, meditation, Reiki and sound, she helps people build grounded, sustainable wellbeing that feels accessible and real.