Have you felt the shift lately? Energy, Seasons & Mental Health

Have You Felt a Shift Lately? 🌙

Have you ever had one of those days where you just feel off? You're more tired than usual, a little more irritable, maybe more emotional, and you can't quite put your finger on why? My colleagues and I will ask "Is there a full moon?".

Sometimes, we immediately assume it's stress, lack of sleep, or just one of those days. And sometimes, it is. But have you ever stopped to think about how much the world around us might be playing a role, too?

We're heading into a time of year when the days get shorter, the temperatures drop, the clocks change, and our routines start to look a little different. For some people, it's their favorite time of year. For others, it can feel like a noticeable shift in mood, motivation, and overall energy.

And there's actually a lot to consider when we talk about that.

It's Not Just the Clock Changing

Daylight savings time is something we tend to brush off. We change the clocks, adjust our schedules, and move on. But our bodies don't always adjust as quickly as we expect them to.

Less daylight can affect our sleep patterns, energy levels, and mood. Some people notice they're more tired, less motivated, or just not feeling like themselves as the seasons change. For those already managing anxiety, depression, or chronic health conditions, those changes can feel even more noticeable.

Then there's the weather. Ever notice a headache before a storm, an increase in joint pain when the weather changes, or just feeling physically blah when the temperature drops?

Changes in barometric pressure and other weather conditions can affect some people physically, particularly those who experience migraines or chronic pain. The research isn't clear-cut for everyone, but it's a reminder that our bodies respond to our environment in ways we don't always think about.

And when we're not feeling our best physically, our mental health can feel the impact, too.

Let's Talk About Energy

I'm talking about more than just being tired.

We hear people talk about energy all the time. Feeling drained. Feeling heavy. Feeling like something is different, even when nothing obvious has changed.

Whether we're talking about the energy we have physically, the emotional energy we use to get through the day, or the atmosphere we're surrounded by, there are so many things that can influence how we feel.

Stress, hormones, sleep, chronic illness, our relationships, and our surroundings all play a role. Sometimes it's one thing. Sometimes it's a combination of things that have slowly added up.

And sometimes, we don't realize just how much we've been carrying until we finally slow down enough to notice or maybe have that moment where we lose ourselves and then finally take a step back and say. Why did that happen?

I think we can be quick to judge ourselves when we aren't functioning the way we think we should. We push through, keep going, and expect ourselves to show up the same way every single day.

But we're human. Our bodies change, our circumstances change, and our capacity changes, too. Sometimes your 100% on a Monday isn't the same 100% on a Friday.

So, What Do We Do With That?

We can't control the weather. We can't control how quickly the seasons change or how much daylight we get. And we certainly can't control everything happening around us.

But we can start paying attention.

Maybe it's noticing that you need a little more rest lately. Maybe it's getting outside when you can, making time for the people who make you feel good, or giving yourself permission to slow down without feeling guilty about it.

Maybe it's recognizing that you've been feeling more overwhelmed than usual and instead of asking yourself, What's wrong with me? you start asking, What might I need right now?

That small change in how we talk to ourselves can make a difference.

And if you're noticing ongoing changes in your mood, energy, sleep, or physical health, don't automatically dismiss them as seasonal. Sometimes those changes deserve a closer look and a conversation with a healthcare professional.

Health Note: Keep in mind if you're tired and needing more energy- increasing caffeine to make it through the day may seem like a good idea however, for some it can increase symptoms specifically somatic responses and increase anxiety intensity. Try a decaffeinated drink and a walk outside!

A Little Reminder as We Move Into a New Season

I think we sometimes forget that we're part of a much bigger world. The seasons shift, the daylight changes, the weather moves through its patterns, and our lives are constantly changing alongside them.

We aren't always going to feel the same from one day to the next, and that's okay.

You don't have to have a reason for every emotion to give yourself permission to feel it. You don't have to wait until you're completely burned out to take a step back. And you don't have to keep pushing through just because that's what you've always done.

Maybe the goal isn't to figure out why we feel different every single time. Maybe it's to get better at listening to ourselves when we do.

As we move into the colder, darker months, give yourself a little grace. Check in with yourself. Pay attention to what feels different. And remember that taking care of your mental health also means paying attention to everything else that affects how you feel.

You deserve that, in every season. 💚

At Charter Oak Family Center, we believe that understanding ourselves is an important part of caring for our mental health. If you're struggling with changes in your mood, stress, or overall well-being, we're here to help.