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Winter can feel like a strange season on the farm. After the non-stop hustle of summer planting and fall harvests, suddenly, the pace changes. The shorter days and bitter cold force us inside, stripping away the tasks that filled every waking moment. It’s easy to feel restless—like we should do something, keep moving, stay productive. But what if winter wasn’t just a pause? What if it was an invitation to rest and rebuild?
The truth is, farming is exhausting. It pulls at every corner of your life—your time, your emotions, your energy. And when you layer that with the heavy weight of finances, kids, and the constant unknowns, it’s no wonder farm life can feel overwhelming. What if you stopped fighting the season and embraced its slower rhythm instead? What if you carved out space for rest and created habits of renewal that could carry you into the spring full of energy and perspective?
Why Rest Matters for You (and Your Farm)
For farm wives like us, rest often feels like a luxury. How can we pause when there’s always something to worry about, plan for, or do? But here’s what I've learned—rest is essential. When we take time to recharge, we’re not only better for ourselves, but also for the things and people that matter most—our kids, our husbands, and even the farm itself.
Winter rest isn’t just about sleeping more (though that’s important too!). It’s about creating intentional spaces where you can breathe, think, and feel replenished. Choosing rest allows your mind and body to reset—and that enables you to tackle the demands of the farm and home with strength and clarity.
But this kind of rest doesn’t just happen. It takes intention, and yes, sometimes it feels counterintuitive. But trust me, it’s worth it.
3 Simple Strategies to Find Rest This Winter
Here are a few ways you can pause, breathe, and find peace this season:
1. Designate Time for Rest Every Day
Your days may still be full of tasks, even in the winter, but finding moments just for you is key. Choose a time each day, even if it’s just 15 or 20 minutes, and dedicate it to rest. Do something you love—read a few pages of a book, sip your coffee while it's still hot, or even just sit in silence. These moments can become a recharging ritual that reminds you to slow down and tune into yourself.
If you’re worried about “wasting time,” remember this isn’t selfish. Resting makes you a better mom, wife, and farmer. By giving a little time back to yourself, you’re investing in your ability to show up fully for everything else.
2. Do Something Fun (Just for You!)
When was the last time you enjoyed something? Winter is the perfect time to rediscover that joy. Maybe it’s baking a new recipe, working on a puzzle, dusting off a craft project, or even organizing that one drawer you know will make you feel accomplished once it's done. Choose something small but meaningful—something that reminds you, life isn’t just about getting things done, but also about finding moments of simple pleasure.
And if you feel guilty about spending time on yourself, ask yourself this: What kind of example do you want to set for your kids? Showing them that it’s okay to take time to breathe and enjoy life teaches them an invaluable lesson about balance.
3. Reconnect with Your Purpose
Winter gives us something summer rarely does—space to reflect. Use this quiet time to reconnect with what matters most in your life. Pray, journal, or just sit with your thoughts about the year behind you and the one ahead. What are the things you're most grateful for? What challenges taught you the most? And what do you want to focus on moving forward?
This kind of reflection nourishes your spirit. It reminds you of everything you’ve already accomplished, even when life feels overwhelming. It’s also an opportunity to dream—because even on the hard days, you’re building something beautiful for your family.
A Gentle Reminder
I know life as a farm wife often feels heavy. The debts, the uncertainty, and the sheer amount of work can feel like too much. But friend, you don’t have to carry it all alone. And you don’t have to have it all together all the time. Winter is whispering for you to pause, to rest, and to trust in the rhythm that God has given us—a rhythm that includes seasons of both work and restoration.
You are doing an incredible job. Even when it feels like nothing is going right, you’re showing up for your family, your farm, and your faith. And that matters.
So this winter, instead of resisting the slow, lean into it. Give yourself permission to rest—not just for a day, but as a regular habit. Because when spring comes (and it always does), you’ll be ready. And not just to keep going, but to thrive.
Start Your Rest Routine Today
Are you ready to try this? This week, pick one small habit to incorporate into your day—whether that’s 15 minutes of quiet in the morning, a fun craft project in the afternoon, or a reflective journal session in the evening.
You are worth this time, and so is your family. Trust me—rest isn’t just good for you, it’s necessary to create the thriving home and farm you dream of.
You’ve got this, friend, and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.
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