Your Winter Wellness Countdown: 5 Months to Baja
The leaves are falling, the mornings are darker, and somewhere a sweater is being pulled out of storage. Winter is on its way.
We live in Montana, so trust us: we know how long winter can feel. But we’ve also learned that the dark months go a lot smoother when you have two things: small habits that keep you grounded and something to look forward to.
So here’s our winter wellness countdown. One small practice a month, from November to March, building toward a sunny finish line. Follow along whether or not you’re heading to Baja with us. Your future self will thank you either way.
November: Get Serious About Sleep
As the days get shorter, your body naturally wants more rest. Lean into it.
This month’s practice: Pick a consistent bedtime and protect it like a meeting you can’t miss.
Dim the lights an hour before bed
Charge your phone outside the bedroom (yes, really)
Swap late-night scrolling for a book or a cup of herbal tea
Think of it as training for retreat life. At Yandara, the beachfront retreat center where we host Baja Soul Sanctuary, evenings end with sunset, dinner and early nights to the sound of the waves. You might as well get a head start.
December: Slow Down on Purpose
December has a sneaky way of becoming the busiest month of the year. Parties, shopping, travel, a calendar that looks like a game of Tetris.
This month’s practice: Schedule one “nothing” block each week. No plans, no errands, no guilt.
Say no to one thing you don’t really want to do
Take a slow walk, even if it’s cold
Remember: rest isn’t something you earn, it’s something you need
January: Learn to Breathe (Like, Really Breathe)
New year, no resolutions required. Just a simple tool you’ll actually use.
This month’s practice: Take five minutes a day for slow, intentional breathing.
Try breathing in for a count of four, then out for a count of six
Do it in the morning, before a stressful meeting or right before bed
Notice how your body feels before and after
Breathwork is one of the simplest practices out there, and many people find it surprisingly calming. On Baja Soul Sanctuary, Melissa of Liminal Flow leads daily breathwork alongside yoga and meditation, so January is the perfect warm-up.
February: Put Pen to Paper
February is short, cold and sometimes a little gray. It’s the perfect month to turn inward.
This month’s practice: Journal for a few minutes, a few times a week.
Write three things you’re grateful for
Jot down what’s weighing on you, then close the notebook
Ask yourself: What do I want to feel this spring?
Bring that journal with you in March. Some of the best reflections happen with an ocean view.
March: Pack Your Bags (and Your Sunscreen)
You made it! Winter is wrapping up, and the finish line is in sight.
This month’s practice: Start letting go of what you don’t need. That means your heavy coat, your inbox and the idea that you have to be busy to be worthy.
Set your out-of-office (read our previous blog post to see how to tell your laptop “lo siento”)
Pack light and in layers (our packing list has you covered)
Get ready to exhale
On March 28, we’ll be trading snow boots for sandals and heading to Yandara in Baja California Sur, where the desert meets the Pacific. Warm days, cool nights, nourishing meals, daily yoga and a small group of women ready to slow down together.
Why Having Something to Look Forward To Matters
Here’s the secret: a big part of getting through winter isn’t just the habits. It’s having something on the horizon. Something that reminds you the cold won’t last forever and that there’s sunshine, rest and good company waiting on the other side.
If you’d like that something to be a week in Baja, we’d love to have you.
Baja Soul Sanctuary: A Mindful Women’s Retreat
March 28 – April 3, 2027
Yandara, Baja California Sur, Mexico
$3,700 USD
Small group, max 17 guests
Learn more at Waypoint Travel, or email us at info@waypointtraveling.com.
Stay cozy. Spring is coming.
-Sally with Waypoint Travel
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