Summer is fading into fall, which always brings a reminder of how refreshing a new season can be. Even during your favorite time of year, there is eventually a longing for the next season to come. One minute, you’re wearing a winter coat wishing to see sunshine and green grass, and the next, you’re sweating in the summer heat and begging for a fall breeze. We get settled into whatever season we’re in, and it gets old. For some, it begins to feel like your favorite times of year are those short periods of change –– when one season falls into another. Here’s a look at some of the reasons for this phenomenon.

New Beginnings

When a new season begins, it creates a sense of a fresh start. Even if there is no real correlation between the change of season and motivation, these false senses of new beginnings help many people get back on track or feel inspired to make positive changes in their life. This is much like the illusion of New Year’s Resolutions –– but more likely to permit change as the climate around you is changing too. 

Differences in Routine

Sometimes doing the same things just gets old, no matter how much you like doing them. With every new season come new activities, holidays, fashion, food, and scenery–pretty much everything you see daily! While we all probably have favorites, you might find that leaning into the current season helps you live in the present.

Dopamine & Mood Changes 

The newness of each change of season doesn’t only impact what you do, but also scientifically impacts how you feel. When the sights, sounds, and feelings surrounding us change, it stimulates your brain with a sense of novelty. This sensation triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to happiness, which we then associate with each change of season to come.

Comfort in Change

Lastly, we don’t just like these seasonal changes; we need them! Just like we align with the sun rising and setting day to day, we find this same rhythm with the seasons coming and going year to year. Our bodies need the environmental contrasts that come with different seasons. Scientifically, seeing nature in its different seasonal forms can be a mood-booster, and the different climates also offer immune system support. But most importantly, seasons offer us a break in routine when things start to feel monotonous, which encourages adjustment and enjoyment of the present moment.

Getting Settled In

With all this said, seasonal changes can also be tough to manage, especially when the warmer months turn cold. Many experience a natural drop in energy, seasonal allergies, or just a longer, more difficult adjustment period. If you find yourself struggling to get acquainted with the new season, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Find a routine that works for you, and if your current one isn’t feeling as good anymore, make changes!
• Prioritize sleep. No matter what season we’re in, we all need rest.
• Get fresh air and sunlight every day! Though it can be more difficult to get outside in the chilly weather, sunlight exposure is important to support your circadian rhythm.
• Organize and declutter your space. Spring cleaning isn’t the only time to audit your spaces –– it is much more effective to do it with every changing season!
• Find your best form of self-care. Whether it’s meditation, journaling, working out, or anything else, lean into it especially during these times of change. 

Edited and Reviewed by Kien Powell