Resting in Season
I live in the Midwest, and sometimes our seasons and weather patterns are not as consistent as I would like. For example, in April, we often experience all four seasons in one week: rain, snow, 80 degrees and sun, and everything in between. One thing I notice is that when we have many gray days in a row, my motivation dwindles and my energy fades. But when a nice day comes along and the sun is shining, my energy is replenished, and I get more done in one day than I have in a whole week of cloudy days.
This is also true when we are in the middle of winter. There are many days when all I feel like doing is curling up on the couch in a blanket with a good book. And while I have found some ways to combat winter blahs, I have also discovered that going along with these changes in seasons and weather can actually be a natural and normal response. It’s important to take the time to find a balance between getting the exercise our bodies need and also not feeling bad with going along with the natural desire to rest and recoup more in winter than you would in summer. It can be a healing time for our bodies to experience an extended rest while still being mindful and creative in the ways we move and seek nutritional fulfillment. When I try to put up a fight between what I feel I’m capable of and what is happening in my environment, it just leaves me exhausted and even more worn out.
This is true in the opposite weather too, such as in summer. Instead of being too cold, the heat of a hot summer day can quickly lead to feeling fatigued and dehydrated. It’s important to not push ourselves beyond our limits, and instead, let the weather be a guide in how we treat our bodies and find appropriate rest. On hot days, this might mean spending the warmest part of the day indoors and enjoying the cooler parts of the morning or evening outside instead. Or it could be that instead of trying to exert all our energy into being productive, recognizing that activities like swimming can be both helpful at keeping cool and giving us the opportunity to both rest and exercise all in one.
When you better understand your own body’s response to different weather situations, you can find a good rhythm for balancing rest and activity and making the most of what each day brings. Whether that is a brisk walk in the fall while you enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, or a rainy day in spring where you take the time to rest and be thankful for new growth, in each and every season, there are unique ways to rest. Going along with these natural changes can bring out the best in you while also increasing your appreciation for what each new day brings.
Challenges/Points:
Think about how your body wants to respond to the weather around you. While you don’t have to make each decision based on the current temperatures, noticing how it affects you can aid in balancing your activity and rest.
In warmer weather, it’s good to remember to take it easy if it gets hot and to take advantage of different times of the day to feel more productive.
In cooler weather, giving your body some extended periods of rest is okay. You can also be creative with how you meet your nutritional and exercise goals in different ways.
Questions:
Does the weather where you live have an effect on your motivation or moods? If so, how do you respond to these changes?
What are some of your favorite cold or rainy weather activities? Do they feel like a natural response for your body to have when these days occur?
When the weather is very mild or pleasant do you feel you are able to accomplish more? How can making the most of those days help you feel better about taking advantage of extra rest on the days when the weather is colder or stormy?
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