A crippling and life-threatening disease
Cycles are all around us, from the changing seasons, ocean tides, and moon phases to the more anatomical: circadian rhythm, menstrual cycle, heartbeat, and even our breath. These cycles influence us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. By embracing them, we can unlock the key to a more enriched, vibrant life.
Curious to learn more? Click to explore how to harness the circles of life.
By being aware of these natural cycles, we can adjust our nutrition, movement, and sleep to be in tune with what nature is telling us. This helps us sustain energy levels, manage pain, navigate difficult emotions, and practice greater self-compassion.
Each season brings its own distinct rhythm and pace. By adjusting our diet, activities, and lifestyle accordingly, we can better align with the natural ebb and flow of each season. By doing this, we support our body’s natural cycles, promoting balance, resilience, and overall well-being.
The start of winter is marked by the winter solstice—the day with the fewest hours of daylight. In nature, winter is a time to go inward, rest, and conserve energy, reflected in bare branches, birds flying south, animals hibernating, and our visible breath in the cold air.
While trees may appear lifeless from the ground up, beneath the surface, their roots are active—growing, searching, and retaining nutrients to help them survive winter and prepare for spring. We can take direction from this, conserving energy, going to bed earlier, resting, and turning inward.
We bundle up, intuitively favoring cozy nights in, hot food and drinks, and may even notice a slight increase in appetite. When we try to fight against nature’s rhythm—like starting restrictive diets in January or staying up late—our energy depletes, and we often feel low. There's a reason they call it the "January blues."
As buds emerge, seedlings sprout, and new farm animals arrive, Spring embodies renewal, growth, and new beginnings. It offers the perfect opportunity to start fresh—whether by launching new projects or refreshing our lives.
Just as we give our homes a "spring clean," we can apply this idea to other areas of our lives: reevaluating friendships, curating who we follow (or unfollow) on social media, and reassessing romantic relationships. As Marie Kondo says, "Does this spark joy?" If it does, hold on to it. If not, it's time to let go.
Summer is a season of abundance, warmth, and vitality. The long days encourage us to bask in the sun, engage in outdoor activities, and embrace the vibrant energy that comes with this time of year.
It’s also an opportunity to embrace adventure and spontaneity, fully immersing ourselves in the joy of being alive. Summer invites us to celebrate life’s pleasures, whether through travel, leisure, or simply enjoying the beauty of the world around us. However, it’s important to remember to pace ourselves and avoid burning out.
Fall is harvest time, when we reap the rewards of our efforts and reflect on the growth we’ve achieved throughout the year. Just as the leaves turn color and shed, signaling renewal in nature, it’s also a season of release for us. This is an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us, whether it's old habits, outdated goals, or relationships that have run their course.
Fall brings colder temperatures, dry air, and shorter days. As the weather shifts, how prepared is your body for this change? As the leaves fall and the Earth prepares for rest, we, too, can embrace this time of letting go, making space for new beginnings and preparing ourselves for the quiet introspection of winter.
Working with the moon phases is another powerful way to align with natural rhythms and support personal growth. Each phase of the moon offers unique energy, and by syncing your activities with these phases, you can enhance various aspects of your life.
The New Moon is an ideal time for new beginnings, setting intentions, and planting the seeds for future endeavors. In the darkness of this phase, focus on creating the feelings you want to attract, using the energy for reflection, goal-setting, and visualizing your desires for the upcoming cycle.
As the moon grows fuller, it’s a time to take action and build momentum toward your goals. Use the waxing phase to check in and clarify any intentions set during the New Moon, taking steps to put your plans into motion and focus on progress. Embrace this period of productivity.
The Full Moon symbolizes culmination, harvest, and celebration. It’s the peak time to see the results of intentions set during the New Moon and a moment to honor what has come to fruition. With heightened energy and clarity, this phase is perfect for manifestation, expressing gratitude, and celebrating achievements.
The waning moon follows the Full Moon and represents the beginning of the moon's transition back to darkness. It symbolizes a time of release, reflection, and introspection. This phase is about letting go of what no longer serves you—whether it’s old habits, negative patterns, or anything holding you back. Use this time to declutter, detox, and make space for new growth in the upcoming cycle.
To work with our body’s natural circadian rhythm, it’s essential to align daily activities with cycles of alertness and rest. Start by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, which helps reinforce your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
In the morning, get exposure to natural sunlight to help regulate your internal clock and boost mood and energy. Engage in physical activity during the late morning or early afternoon when your body’s energy is at its peak.
Throughout the day, eat according to your rhythm, with larger meals earlier in the day when your digestive system is most active, and lighter meals in the evening. Take short breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout, especially during afternoon slumps.
In the evening, create a relaxing routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Limit light exposure by dimming the lights and avoiding screens, which can interfere with melatonin production.
By adjusting your diet, movement, and rest to match your body’s natural rhythm, you can enhance energy levels, improve sleep, and support overall well-being.
For those who menstruate, working with your menstrual cycle can have profound effects on your well-being. By adapting your schedule and aligning your activities with where you are in your cycle, you can better meet your body’s needs.
By aligning your lifestyle, nutrition, and activities with the different phases of your menstrual cycle, you can optimize your well-being throughout the month. Understanding and honoring the natural rhythm of your body enhances energy, emotional balance, and overall health. The four phases of the menstrual cycle are menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Here’s how to work with each phase…
Following menstruation, the follicular phase is marked by rising energy levels and renewed vitality. This is the time to focus on creative pursuits, tackling new projects, and exercising more intensely. It's an excellent time for goal-setting, planning, and engaging in social or work-related activities.
Ovulation is when the body is at its peak energy and fertility. It’s a time for increased confidence, assertiveness, and social engagement. The body is more resilient, making it an ideal time for high-energy activities, important meetings, or events. It’s also a great time to focus on healthy communication and connection with others.
The luteal phase is when the body prepares for potential pregnancy, and progesterone levels rise. This phase can bring mood swings, fatigue, and cravings. It’s a time to slow down, practice self-care, and focus on relaxation. Moderating stress and prioritizing sleep can help manage these changes.
If a woman has a time of the month, a man has a time of the day. The male hormone cycle operates on a 24-hour rhythm primarily governed by fluctuations in testosterone. Understanding and working with this daily cycle can support physical health, productivity, mental well-being, and emotional resilience. Here’s how...
Testosterone peaks in the morning, making it the best time for high-focus tasks, physical exercise, and decision-making. As testosterone levels dip throughout the day, it’s ideal to schedule demanding tasks earlier when energy and confidence are higher.
Later, the body is more inclined toward relaxation, making it a good time for winding down, creative activities, or self-care practices. Aligning daily activities with the rhythm of testosterone can lead to greater productivity, stronger relationships, and enhanced overall well-being.
By recognizing these natural fluctuations, men can create better routines, manage stress more effectively, and improve physical and emotional resilience.
Sources: (Better Health) (Lou Perham) (Slow North) (Disciple London) (Ancient and Brave)
Cyclical living: work with nature’s rhythms for a healthier, happier life
The circle(s) of life
HEALTH Season
Cycles are all around us, from the changing seasons, ocean tides, and moon phases to the more anatomical: circadian rhythms, menstrual cycle, heartbeat, and even our breath. These cycles influence us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. By embracing them, we can unlock the key to a more enriched, vibrant life.
Curious to learn more? Click on and explore how to harness the circles of life!