Seasonal Wellness: Why and how to align your lifestyle with the season

What is seasonal wellness?

Seasonal wellness is the practice of aligning your lifestyle with the season. It is about embracing the fact that the seasons deeply affect us. The differing weather and daylight hours change our bodies on a cellular level. We practice seasonal wellness because we understand that as natural beings ourselves, our bodies are naturally attuned to the rhythms of nature. By aligning our habits, daily rituals and routines with these rhythms, we experience a greater sense of overall wellbeing. In a society that demands constant productivity, tuning into the rhythm of the seasons is a radical act of self-care. It is unnatural to try get the same amount of sleep, do the same amount of work, or eat the same foods in winter as you do in summer, for example. But this is something that most of us resist because we're afraid of "falling behind". Ultimately, embracing the seasons will actually get you ahead, when you take this annual view and lean into what each season offers.

By the way, if you're a business owner or looking to incorporate seasonal wellness into your work life, our partner brand Designed to See may be the perfect thing for you—click here to check it out.

Let's get into the reasons to align your lifestyle and wellness practices with the season.

1. We Are Nature

We - ourselves - are literally nature. In modern society, it may seem convenient to forget this. We are animals, born from nature. Therefore, we are intrinsically connected to it. This means that the season of the present is a true reflection of our internal state, too. True wellbeing cannot be achieved by resisting this connection. Instead, by embracing and integrating the season into our lifestyle, we come into harmony with the needs of our bodies.

We are connected to—and a part of—nature, and we cannot experience true wellbeing while resisting this...

Seasonal changes profoundly impact all living organisms. Trees lose their leaves in autumn to minimise water loss during winter (a process called 'abscission'). Bears hibernate, and squirrels store food. We can take these natural phenomena as inspiration to reflect on our own seasonal habits and productivity.

Many Indigenous cultures follow seasonal wellbeing practices too, tuning in to the changes in nature. These practices vary widely depending on the environment—from the Arctic to the desert. For example, in many North American Indigenous traditions, winter is a time for rest, storytelling, and spiritual reflection. It’s when communities gather indoors, share oral histories, and focus on inner life. Spring is often a season of renewal and preparation. Among the Anishinaabe people, for instance, this might include sugarbush (maple sap) harvesting, symbolising awakening and nourishment. Summer brings activity and growth — fishing, planting, gathering medicinal plants, and holding ceremonies. It’s a time of connection with the land and community. Autumn is for harvesting, preparing food stores, and giving thanks. In many traditions, it’s also a time for honouring ancestors and transitions.

Seasonal Rhythms Support Physical Health

Beyond the rhythm of daily life, the seasons also effect our dietary needs. Seasonal foods naturally support immunity and digestion by giving the body what it needs at the right time of year. In winter, warming foods like root vegetables, garlic, and hearty stews help strengthen the immune system and support gut health by keeping the body warm and nourished. In contrast, summer brings cooling, hydrating foods like berries, cucumber, and watermelon, which aid digestion and prevent inflammation. As Jolene Hart explains in Eat Pretty, eating with the seasons not only boosts nutrient intake but also helps the body stay in balance, promoting better energy, skin, and overall wellbeing. Ambitious Kitchen also provides an abundance of seasonal recipes that will inspire you—check them out here.

journal prompts and affirmations for seasonal wellbeing

Winter

Winter is a time for rest and introspection. Focus on reflecting on the past year and understanding what's present beneath the surface. Affirmations like “I allow myself to rest and heal” support this inward focus.

I allow myself to rest and heal.

Spring

Spring invites renewal and intention-setting. Journaling can centre on goals, fresh ideas, and personal growth. It’s a good time to write about hopes and plans, using affirmations such as:

I welcome new beginnings and change.

Summer

Summer encourages outward expression and connection. Reflection might focus on celebrating achievements and your most energetic self.

I shine brightly and share my true self.

Autumn

Autumn is about letting go and grounding, perfect for journaling on what you'd like to let go of and finding a sense of stability.

I release what no longer serves me and stay grounded in the present.

Living Seasonally Builds Mindfulness and Presence

Honouring and embracing the season as part of our lifestyle helps cultivate a healthy perspective and is an opportunity to ground ourselves in the present. Whether it’s changing your sleep schedule, your dinner rotation or your energy input at work—or marking the solstice with a ceremonial ritual—these practices slow us down and help us notice the changing world around us.

It's Not About Perfection, It's About Attunement

Aligning with the seasons doesn’t mean following rigid routines; flexibility is key. Some seasons—or even days—may feel “off,” and that’s perfectly okay. The important part is to notice how you feel and respond with kindness and gentle care. Wellness and wellbeing are not about performance or strict rules... they are about tuning into your body and allowing your self-care to be intuitive and nurturing.

Final Note

Take a moment to observe not only the season outside but also the one within you—your energy and vibe lately. Notice how these inner and outer seasons might align or differ. To support this awareness, try a small seasonal shift: perhaps a new recipe, a journalling session, or adjust your pace in general. Do whatever helps you stay connected and responsive to both yourself and the world around you. Curious to know more about what we offer? Find out more. In the UK's Gloucestershire area? Check out our seasonal wellbeing-inspired offerings.