Navigating the Seasons: Understanding How They Shape Our Wellbeing
Over the month of April, Jenny has asked me (Liz Ellery) to guest post / share my personal stories and practical advice (& of course journaling prompts) on how I allow good things into my life - and how you can too.
The topics I’ll be talking about are Trust, Belief Systems, one of my Favourite Books on Surrendering and how I’ve learnt to Love Myself more.
With that said, please enjoy my 1st journal article in my 4-part series…
Do you often wonder whether feeling lower in winter than in summer is a real phenomenon? I mean, it's pretty clear: sunny days in summer naturally lift our spirits, while cold, dreary weather in winter can dampen our mood. But yes, it's a genuine thing—the seasonal blues.
Recently, I had a conversation with a doctor friend about antidepressants. She mentioned that doctors typically recommend taking the medication for at least 6-12 months+ and advise against discontinuing it during the winter. This is because it's a known time when many people experience heightened feelings of depression.
These low mood seasonal feelings even have a name. SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Symptoms can be fatigue, oversleeping, overeating, social withdrawal - a lack of energy and joy in the everyday.
It’s estimated that 2 million people in the UK suffer from SAD and it’s said that 5% of Americans are affected also.
I wanted to hit you with some facts from the get go just to let you know that this isn’t just me being “woo woo” or all love and light about it, it is a genuine thing.
At the start of this year Jenny and I were deep in discussion about how the both of us were feeling the effects of the seasons so much more keenly than we had in recent years.
That’s why I felt it was important to start this 4-part ‘self-care’ blog series I’m writing for Jenny this April, on working with the seasons to improve your general wellbeing.
One of my close friends Claire, who is a wellbeing coach, forest therapy guide and EcoNIDRA teacher - and basically a lover of all things nature - has been sharing with me how she works her business around the seasons to improve mood.
I have my own business too so I found this fascinating and if you’re in a career where you work a 9-5 job you could use the following principles in your personal life.
She also shared something mind blowing to me that perhaps you’re already aware of but by goodness did it make total sense to me…
Did you know that in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII changed New Year's Day from March 25th to January 1*?!? My mind was blown!
*Great Britain and America didn’t change to the Gregorian calendar until 1752
Of course Spring, the awakening of nature, should be the beginning of the year - not starting in the midst of winter as it does now (as far as being in the northern hemisphere anyway).
Why oh why did it change?
The main thing is that it of course did change but with this new information in mind, I knew that I wanted to start being more in flow with the year and also look at acknowledging March as my new New Year.
I'll outline what my friend Claire has practised for the last 5+ years and what I'll be doing also moving forward, presenting it as something you might consider practising too.
January - February
During the last Winter months you'll maybe want to hibernate like the animals and trees do. You'll want to nestle down, planting your roots and seeds - ideas you may have for the year ahead in business and personal goals, nurturing and nourishing yourself with wholesome foods, and getting cosy within your home - being less sociable. It will be a time for you to rest after the previous year and the busyness that often follows Christmas and New Year.
In my experience, February tends to be my lowest mood month, especially now knowing it was the last month of the Julian year. It makes sense—it's the fourth month of winter. So, I'm planning a holiday for some winter sun to boost my mood with some vitamin D on my skin! Plus, I'll keep my business quiet this month, preparing for Spring and my personal "New Year" ahead.
March - June
This is the most exciting time of the year for me! It's when all the seeds you've been planting and nurturing begin to blossom. The sun is shining, baby lambs are making their first steps in luscious green fields, and there's so much more to look forward to in spring. After months of resting and preparing, you're ready to burst with energy and reignite your social life. It's time to make plans, both personally and professionally, and embrace the joy of nature blooming all around you.
July - September
July through August is all about embracing the summer vibes—time for play, fun, and soaking up the sun. It's about holidays, beach trips, and spending quality time with loved ones. Even amidst your work commitments which feel in full flow, you prioritise enjoying life and making memories.
October - December
As we move into October through December, the air is filled with anticipation for the holiday season. The start of October is a great time to do short bursts of work and push through any extra ideas you may have had at the start of the year and see if you can finish strong. Come mid November, you may find yourself wrapping up projects and preparing for a well-deserved break. But most importantly the end of the year is about cherishing moments with family and friends, celebrating traditions, and spreading joy and kindness wherever you go.
One of my favourite traditions to do at the end of the year, is to journal on what good things have happened to me that year and what wasn’t so great but that I can learn from and what my hopes and dreams are for the year ahead. That being said, I’m seriously thinking about doing this end of year reflection journaling in February going foward.
As I mentioned at the start of this article, I am writing a 4-part series for Jenny all about Trust, Belief Systems, Learning to Love Yourself More and Surrender.
I felt compelled to write this article because it marks a big step in my journey toward finding more joy and harmony in life, surrendering to mother nature and taking note of what’s around me more, creating new belief systems.
There's this lovely quote I stumbled upon: "Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year." It really struck a chord with me. At the start of the year, I'd been pretty hard on myself for not being cheerful all the time. But understanding a new way of embracing the seasons in relation to my mood, has lifted a weight off my shoulders and has me feeling excited for the future. And, strangely enough, I'm looking forward to approaching January and February next year with a whole new outlook.
Journal Prompts…
Do you notice high and low points you feel throughout the year and can you pinpoint them to a particular season?
What changes could you make to your year professionally and personally now you know a little more about how the seasons can truly affect your mental health?
Resources
Here are 3 books I thoroughly recommend that talk about the seasons through natures viewpoint and how you can work with them in your personal and professional lives…
The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2024 by Lia Leendertz
Regenerative Business: How to Align Your Business with Nature for More Abundance, Fulfillment, and Impact by Samantha Garcia
Evergreen: Discover the Joy in Every Season by Lydia Elise Millen
Finally I’d love to know if any of this resonates with you and if so, please do share in the comments below…
Enjoyed this post? Then you’ll love these posts from the same article series by Liz Ellery…
