Switching between seasons can often have a profound impact on our emotions, behaviours and overall well-being. Autumn weather sees temperatures dropping and days becoming shorter, our environment changes as trees and plants shed their foliage and colours shift.
HOW SEASONAL CHANGES MAY IMPACT US.
Mood Variations – many people experience shifts in mood with seasonal changes. Some notice feeling more energized and uplifted during lighter and warmer spring and summer months, while others struggle with feelings of lethargy or sadness in the darker and colder months of autumn and winter.
Energy Levels – the amount of daylight and temperature fluctuations can impact on our energy levels. Shorter days can lead to fatigue, while longer days may enhance vitality.
Physical Symptoms – changes in seasons often evidence the emergence of seasonal allergies, colds and other physical ailments which can negatively impact on our mental health, leading to irritability and frustration.
Social Interaction – seasonal changes affect our social habits and activities. Summer months are often busier with more social gatherings and interactions, which helps increase levels of personal connection. Winter months may typically be quieter socially and may result in greater isolation and disconnect.
Routine Changes – shifts in our personal routines often occur as seasons change, exercise habits and foods we eat change, all which can affect our mood and overall physical and mental well-being.
Public Holidays and Events – facing the prospect of the Christmas period and New Year is not always a happy one. For some of us these periods are challenging as they may evoke feelings of loss of deceased loved ones, financial pressure, or may necessitate spending time with persons within unhealthy or toxic relationships.
HOW GESTALT COUNSELLING CAN HELP WITH THE IMPACT OF SEASONAL CHANGE.
Here & Now Experience – Gestalt counselling emphasizes being present in the moment. This approach can help individuals become more aware of their feelings and bodily sensations during seasonal transitions, allowing them to process emotions more effectively.
Integration of Emotions – Gestalt therapy encourages individuals to explore and integrate various aspects of their experiences. This can be particularly helpful in understanding and accepting seasonal mood changes rather than resisting them.
Experimentation – Gestalt therapists may use role-playing or experiential exercises to help clients explore their feelings about the seasons, facilitating deeper insights and understanding of their emotional responses.
Focus on Relationships – Gestalt therapy often emphasizes interpersonal relationships. By exploring how seasonal changes impact social interactions, individuals can gain clarity on their feelings of connection or isolation.
Encouraging Self-Responsibility – Gestalt counselling promotes self-awareness and personal responsibility. Clients can learn to identify patterns in their emotional responses to seasonal changes and take proactive steps to manage them.
Holistic Perspective – this approach encourages a holistic view of individuals, considering emotional, physical, and environmental factors. Clients can explore how the changing seasons affect their overall sense of self and well-being.
By utilising the principles of Gestalt therapy, individuals can navigate the complexities of seasonal changes with greater awareness and understanding, fostering emotional resilience and a deeper connection to their experiences.
BE WELL COUNSELLING
Mark at Be Well Counselling is a qualified humanistic Gestalt counsellor based in Romsey near Southampton, a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), providing counselling to adults 18+ and young people (14-18)
Email : bewellcns@gmail.com
Tel / WhatsApp : 07359 759203
Web : www.be-wellcounselling.co.uk
