By Guest Blogger Tracy Huneycutt
When my son was little, wintertime posed a challenge of keeping him occupied during stretches of undesirable weather. Often bored at home, we would seek fun and cost-efficient indoor activities. These activities included gymnastic classes, YMCA parent-and-me swim lessons, children’s museums, and trampoline parks.
Now that my son has entered the preteen years, he enjoys the comforts of home more during the colder months. I had a revelation as I reflected on what I have learned through my research in holistic medical marketing, which is one component of my work.
Everything in nature has a cycle. For years, our society has fought against the natural sequences of life by striving to remain equally busy during all seasons. However, humans follow a cyclical rhythm. On a biological level, we were not meant to always operate at a constant, fast pace. Our health and wellness are optimized when we lean into seasons of activeness followed by periods of replenishment. Our hormones are better balanced, we experience more restful sleep, and our moods are stabilized.
During these recent winter months, my family has carved out intentional time to spend at home. Instead of filling our calendar with multiple activities. We have cozied up under warm blankets, read good books, and discovered new movies to watch. We tested winter recipes and cooked meals together in the kitchen. While the “Type A” personality in me found time to reorganize and complete long-overdue chores in my home. I have been grateful for the opportunity to permit life to slow down, and to initiate winter rituals that did not involve staying so busy.
Just like animals hibernate in the wintertime, cooler temperatures and less daylight are a prime opportunity for both children and adults to sleep more. I have observed my family going to bed earlier and sleeping later in the mornings. The need for rest is coming naturally and is not forced.
For my physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as to create rituals that benefit my family, I have committed to continue advocating and adopting concepts of seasonal living.
The warmer days of spring are on the horizon. I anticipate going outdoors more for family walks with the dog, visiting farmer’s markets for fresh produce, and for my son to start spring sports. This summer, I will look forward to family vacations, cookouts with friends, and swimming at the pool. More sunlight during the evenings may mean less sleep during the summer. However, most people feel energized this time of year. In autumn, the world begins slowing down again. Shortening days, cooler temperatures, and the harvest season usher in a time of apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, bonfires, and fall festivals.
Additionally, there are added health benefits to seasonal eating. Produce tastes its best and has the most nutrients when it is eaten in season. Seasonal eating is also great for the environment, as it produces less waste. Dark leafy greens in the wintertime, broccoli and citrus in the spring, berries and corn in the summer. Plus, apples and pumpkins in the fall are just a few examples of seasonal produce.
Although society places significance on productivity and progress, I think there is value in reconnecting with our roots by living in alignment with the seasons. Rejecting the cultural norm of being in a constant state of busyness can bring our families a sense of balance and well-being. While also, bringing our families closer together.
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