Winter is Not a Weakness: Strategic Hibernation for the Public Figure

In Part 1 of this series, we identified the beast: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We discussed how biology and melanin intersect to drain our batteries in the winter. Now, we must talk about the strategy of survival.

For the highly visible woman—the CEO, the politician, the influencer—the fear is that if you "hibernate," you disappear. The public gaze is fickle, and the pressure to be consistently omnipresent is suffocating. You ask, "How can I be authentic to my need for rest when my brand is built on excellence?"

The answer lies in Anti-Perfectionism and Self-Mastery.

The 70% Rule: A Habit for Wellness

Perfectionism is a shield we use to keep people from hurting us. We think, “If I am flawless, they can’t criticize me.” But in the winter, perfectionism is too heavy to carry. I introduce to you the 70% Rule.

During the summer, when the sun is high, you might operate at 100%. In the winter, your Be True baseline shifts. Aim for 70%.

• If you answer 70% of the emails, that is a win.
• If you give 70% of your energy to the gala, that is a win.
• If the house is 70% clean, that is a win.

This is not settling; this is sustainability.

Coping with High-Stakes Stress: The "Unmasked" Circle

Code-switching is expensive. It costs you cognitive energy to constantly monitor your tone, your hair, and your "approachability" in white-centered spaces. When you have SAD, you are essentially bankrupt of that energy.

You need a system of accountability outside the public gaze. You need an Unmasked Circle. This is a group of 2-3 people with whom you hold a "Winter Contract." With them, you are allowed to be tired. You are allowed to be angry. You are allowed to be "messy."

• Action: Identify your people. Tell them, "I am entering maintenance mode. I need a space where I don't have to perform."

Regulating the Narrative: Language as a Boundary

Part of Self-Mastery is teaching the world how to treat you. You must translate your emotional experience into professional boundaries.

When the requests come in and you feel the panic of "I can't do this," do not apologize for your humanity. Use the Be True Crown Straightening framing:

• Instead of: "I'm so sorry, I'm just really struggling right now and can't make it." (This invites pity and judgment).
• Try: "I am moving into a season of deep work and preservation. I am pausing external engagements to ensure I lead from a full vessel in the Spring." (This commands respect).

The Philosophy of Roots

Here is the final truth for my high achievers: Nature does not bloom all year long. The oak tree outside your window looks like it is doing nothing right now. It looks dead. But underground? It is expanding its root system. It is anchoring itself against the wind.

Winter is your time to anchor your sense of self, independent of public opinion. Let the leaves fall. Let the likes drop. Let the calendar clear. If you tend to your roots now, your bloom in 2026 will be undeniable.

Navigating the pressure of public visibility while battling the darkness of winter is a high-wire act. If you feel your balance slipping, Be True Counseling is here to be your safety net. Our culturally competent therapy helps you build the systems you need to thrive, not just survive. Book your session with us today. Click here, https://calendar.app.google/syskswt8aLbP4Ywo8.

Ready to create your own "Winter Wellness Contract"? Join me for Episode 11 of the Crown Straightening Sessions: "The Strategic Guide to Rest Without Vanishing." I’ll walk you through the exact tools I use to protect my peace in the public eye. Stream here, https://bit.ly/pod_Ep-11.

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