Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (January, 2026)

 

Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (January, 2026)

How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days by Kari Leibowitz, Ph.D. (2024; published by Penguin Life)

My take:

Imagine living in a place where the sun doesn’t rise for two months a year. What impact would that have on your well-being? The data may surprise you. In How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days, Leibowitz explores the connection between “seasonal variation” and well-being. And for anyone who’s not a fan of winter, Leibowitz might have you re-thinking your view on this colder, darker season and how to approach it for improved well-being.

Leibowitz’s trek to Tromso, Norway (in the Artic Circle!) starts her journey on better understanding the relationship between winter and well-being along with discovering strategies that could be applied to improve mood. Leibowitz discovers that for residents of Tromso, winter was a season of excitement, something to look forward to. The residents had a different “mindset” (i.e., “core assumptions about the nature and workings of things in the world”) on what winter meant. Leibowitz explores how mindsets are powerful at navigating any challenging season of life.

Leibowitz describes the research and practical strategies that can be implemented for transforming your experience with the winter months. Several strategies are summarized at the end of the chapters. A personal favourite is to make a list of 5 specific things to look forward to as the winter season approaches.
This is an insightful book for not only anyone who isn’t a fan of winter (I actually am J) but also for those looking to support their well-being during difficult transition periods. A great read for a cold, winter day!

What is your mindset around winter? Have you tried any new wintering strategies? Has your well-being improved after incorporating any strategies outlined in the book?

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