
76. Romanticizing Winter: Your Guide to Navigating Seasonal Fatigue & Holiday Blues
From Happiness with Jess by Jess Knapp
December 3, 2025 · 21 min
About this episode
Jess discusses the challenges of winter, including seasonal fatigue and holiday blues, while offering insights and strategies for coping during this time.
Winter is here — the days are shorter, the temps are dropping, and the holidays are officially in full swing. And while this season is supposed to be the “happiest time of the year,” for many of us… it’s not that simple. In this episode, we’re talking about romanticizing winter , especially if this time of year brings up stress, loneliness, family tension, financial pressure, or grief. Jess shares her personal experience with seasonal sadness, shifting family dynamics, and why this season often feels heavier than it looks on Instagram. You’ll learn: ✨ Why winter makes you tired (yes, there’s real biology behind it!) ✨ Why rest is the most underrated health practice this time of year ✨ Ideas for new traditions, cozy rituals, and meaningful moments ✨ What to do if the holidays bring up grief, sadness, or complicated emotions If you’re feeling tired, unmotivated, overwhelmed by the holidays, or just craving a softer winter — this episode will help you feel seen, grounded, and supported. If you’re finding the habit‑building process tougher than you expected, coaching support is here to help you create the systems, accountability, and mindset that turn new paths into effortless…
People in this episode
Host: Jess Knapp
Topics covered
- seasonal fatigue
- holiday blues
- romanticizing winter
- mental health
- new traditions
- self-care
Keywords
- winter
- seasonal sadness
- holidays
- self-improvement
- cozy rituals
- grief
- family dynamics
More episodes of Happiness with Jess
- 87. Healthier Relationships, Healthier Life with Lee Baucom · June 3, 2026 · 60 min
- 86. Obesity Medicine Explained: GLP-1s, Bariatric Surgery & More with Dr. Laure · May 20, 2026 · 55 min
- 85. Why You Don’t Feel Proud of Yourself (And How to Change That) · May 6, 2026 · 31 min
- 84. Mental Toughness, Confidence & Mastering Your Inner Critic as a Professional Athlete with Roman Martinez · April 15, 2026 · 34 min
- BONUS. You’re invited! Consistency without Criticism · April 8, 2026 · 3 min
- 83. The Difference Between People Who Stay Consistent… and Those Who Don’t · April 1, 2026 · 28 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Happiness with Jess podcast page.