Renewing Wellness Practices As The Seasons Change
Many people living with chronic illness are significantly impacted by the change in seasons…That can be an opportunity.
Life with chronic illness can cycle with the seasons. Symptoms can flare due to environmental factors like heat or cold. And, the day-to-day demands of daily life can look different at different times of the year. These factors can make a rigid, year-round wellness routines a bit unrealistic for many of us.
But what if we could use the changing seasons as an opportunity to revamp our wellness practices?
Each season brings its own unique set of challenges and benefits, which can be harnessed to align better with our wellness goals.
Embracing Change For Wellness
When the seasons shift, it's a perfect moment to pause and reassess where we are in our wellness journey. When the season changes, it can be a great time to capitalize on your change in schedule or the change in the weather to tweak your wellness practices to meet your current situation.
Change doesn't need to be daunting. Instead, think of it as fine-tuning or a fresh start—a chance to revisit what's working, what isn't, and how we can tailor our habits to fit the new season ahead. For instance, the arrival of spring with its longer days and milder weather can be an invitation to spend more time outdoors, soaking up the sunlight and fresh air.
Similarly, autumn, with its cooler temperatures and falling leaves, can be a time to ground ourselves, perhaps by embracing more restorative practices like journaling or taking outdoor walks. As we transition into winter, we might find opportunities to focus on indoor activities that keep us warm and cozy while nurturing our body and soul. Think of these seasonal changes as gentle nudges, encouraging us to tweak our routines and recommit to our wellness goals. By being attuned to these natural rhythms, we not only align better with our environment but also stay motivated and inspired in our journey toward health and wellness.
Remember, the key is to listen to your body and prioritize what enhances your well-being. With thoughtful planning and self-care, you optimize your wellness practices as the seasons change.
Let’s explore what tends to come up for clients with each season…
Summer Wellness Practices
More Time Flexibility
Summer often comes with longer daylight hours, giving us more time to dedicate to wellness. The extra sunlight can be a mood booster and a great motivator. But, it also can be a difficult time if you experience heat intolerance. If that is the case, it becomes important to find ways to support your symptoms.
The upside of summer is that it often brings the spaciousness of a looser schedule. This can help to slow down our pace and invite in more time for relaxation, vacation and rest. For those living with chronic illnesses, this season offers unique opportunities to rest, have fun, and take care of health needs in a more relaxed setting.
For related reading, I invite you to read my blog post: A Guide To Enjoying Summer With Chronic Illness.
Fall Wellness Practices
Milder Weather & Getting Back on Schedule
Fall brings cooler temperatures. And, because many people living with chronic illness have heat sensitivity, the shift toward milder weather can make it an ideal time to rekindle your movement or exercise without the extreme summer heat.
For those of us who like more of a schedule, the shift to Fall can be welcome. When daily life is a little more routine, it can be easier to make sure we are engaging in our healthy habits because we are back on a schedule.
While we might want to revisit how our habits and practices support our well-being, it can be nice to get back into a daily flow.
Winter wellness practices
New Year, New Beginnings
Winter, often associated with the new year, is a natural time for new beginnings and setting wellness goals. While chronic illness often doesn't care about the calendar, the start of a new year tends to be a reflective time where we can assess where we are and what we want to happen during the coming year.
It can be a motivating time of year to renew or adjust your wellness habits and practices to nurture yourself post-holidays and start the year off in a way that prioritizes your well-being.
For related reading, check out my blog post about New Year's Resolutions.
Spring wellness practices
Better Weather & Renewed Energy
While the new year can bring a lot of motivation for change, often we tend to get a little bogged down by the winter weather. So, by the time spring rolls around, many of us are ready to renew and refresh our wellness habits.
Spring brings improving weather and a sense of renewal, making it a great time to boost your motivation for physical activities. It can be motivating to use the season's energy to declutter both physical spaces and mental habits.
For related reading, I invite you to read my blog post: 5 Ways To Refresh Your Chronically Well Habits.
Personal Experience & Tips
I've personally found that aligning my wellness practices with the changing seasons has made a huge difference in managing my chronic illness. For example, during summer heat, I know I might not be able to manage rigorous workouts. In winter, I focus more on indoor activities and mental wellness, setting small, achievable goals that keep me motivated.
Here are some practical tips to get you started:
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to different seasons and adjust your activities accordingly.
Stay Flexible: Be willing to change your plans based on how you're feeling. Some days might be better for rest, while others might be perfect for more activity.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help, whether it's from friends, family, or a professional. You're not alone on this journey.
Revamp Your Wellness With Me!
Let’s work together to keep you clear and motivated on what matters most in supporting your path to living well with chronic illness through my THRIVE coaching package.
In Summary….
Each season brings unique opportunities to renew or revamp wellness practices. By aligning your habits with the changing seasons, you can make your wellness routine more adaptable and effective.
Remember, it's all about making small, sustainable changes that fit into your lifestyle. If you're ready to revamp your wellness habits this season, consider working with me through THRIVE or Chronically Well.
Ready to take the next step? Book a complimentary call to explore starting your journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life!
How do the different seasons impact your symptoms and wellness Routines?
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