For the third part of our interview series with Lauren Jane, we dive into the concept of living seasonally. Lauren, a naturopath known for her balanced approach, explains how tuning into the changing seasons can significantly boost our overall well-being.
She shares insights on how adjusting our diet, exercise, and daily routines according to the seasons can help us stay healthier and more energised. From enjoying winter’s slower pace to embracing summer’s vibrant energy, Lauren offers practical tips on how to start living more seasonally.
Lauren, living seasonally is a fascinating concept. Can you explain what it means to live seasonally and why it’s important for our overall well-being?
It’s the concept that if we adjust our pace of life, our activities, our diet and our sleep patterns according to the changing seasons we’ll thrive and be healthier.
By being more conscious of our environment and the seasons, we become more connected to nature, the Earth’s energy and other cycles like that of the moon, and our own menstrual cycle.
In today’s modern culture, we’ve become disconnected from these rhythms; people tend to chase an eternal summer, they want year-round warmth and have this kind of unyielding pursuit of success and go-go energy which is that of summer.
If instead, we embrace the seasons it forces more balance with our work and our play and we avoid getting burnt out, but also are physically healthier because we are eating food that’s locally grown, which means it’s more nutritious. If we really embrace what the present season calls for then we really thrive in the next. Overall I see people have more resilience and vitality.
How can changing our diet according to the seasons benefit our health and energy levels?
It makes sense to consume food that grows in proximity to where we’re living. It tastes better, it’s more nutritious, it’s more accessible and affordable, and it’s overall better for your health and the planet!
Mother Nature really provides what we need. Think about what’s in season through the Summer. We get more cooling, hydrating foods that can be enjoyed raw which are perfect in the hot weather versus the root veggies that require cooking and provide comfort and warmth in the cooler months. All systems of our body respond better when we eat what’s grown in the same environment we’re living in.
When it comes to exercise, how should we adjust our routines to align with different seasons?
During autumn and winter, days are shorter and temps are colder which naturally slows us down. Allow some sleep-ins, over early morning runs. Our muscles are colder so you’ll need extra time to stretch and warm up before a session. I also recommend avoiding intense nighttime exercise as we tend to retire early and it can disrupt our sleep.
In Spring and Summer as days warm up, enjoy outdoor hikes, brisk walks and swim in lakes and the ocean. Our muscles are warmer so we can embrace more intense exercise. When it’s hot, cold therapy and ice baths are a treat!
What lifestyle changes do you recommend for each season to help us thrive throughout the year?
Summer brings longer days and warmer nights that fuel us with the energy and capacity to socialise more, enjoy the outdoors and stay up later. Embrace it!
In Autumn, it’s natural to feel that gregarious summer energy turn inward. So it’s a good time to finish off any projects and carve out some space to be present in nature.
Less is more in winter as it’s so cold. Enjoy the slower pace of life. It’s definitely a time of hibernation and self-reflection so I encourage more baths, meditation, tai chi and yin yoga. A time for self-care which means it’s OK to sleep, rest and eat more.
Spring brings a time of renewal and rebirth. Energy levels rise with the warming days and it’s the perfect time to plant seeds of intention or set in motion new projects. Open up the windows and let the fresh air in!
What are some practical tips for someone who wants to start living more seasonally but doesn’t know where to begin?
Listen to how your body feels as the seasons change and go with the flow. Don’t try to stick to the same routine, schedule, diet or exercise regimen all year round.Embrace the wonders that each season has to offer. By that I mean, enjoy saunas, hot chai and time by the fire in winter. Don’t fight or resent the cold. You might even like to meal plan each upcoming season according to what you can find at your local farmers market.
