Jul 298 min read

Seasonal Changes In Our Behaviors and Routines.

Updated: Oct 18

By Anthony Shemayme, BSW

As we slowly approach a New Month midway through 2024, there is no better time for us to assess our holistic well-being in this ever-changing world kindly. With so much happening daily, we must always consider our functional performance in all aspects of life and what areas could use some attention. Some people may be starting to prepare for school or enjoying some free time, but either way, time stays moving forward, whether with our careers, education, or personal aspirations. Everyoneʼs approach to this observation of self can look different, and trying out some new approaches never hurts when trying to better ourselves.

Being present is essential, so why not now examine our daily routines and see what has been serving us in a good or not-so-good way? One teaching that always stuck with me from some relatives in Mexico who visited was the benefits of seasonal fasting. Some teachings from these Curanderos and Curanderas explained how fasting with only fruits in season, along with water for 3 to 4 days, can benefit our holistic health. Of course, considering what our bodies can handle and other health precautions is always recommended first. With that said, any wellness goals you set, big or small, is always a WIN if it benefits our minds, bodies, or spirits.

Here are some perspectives and pointers when it comes to examining and starting new routines in different areas:

Mind/Brain/Knowledge

Social Media Consumption: Be mindful of all you take into your body, especially information being fed to you through social media. Social media can expose you to negativity, drama, or even false news that feeds a specific agenda. If you are using social media, one way to examine your screen time is to look up your phone ways of tracking how long you are using specific apps, and one can even set limitations on their screen intake if it is causing distraction. Also, following accounts that spread positive, uplifting content can boost motivation or inspiration as opposed to accounts that tend to judge often or have biased negative outlooks. Too much social media can also cause people to compare themselves to others, get distracted from goals, or seek validation when it is actually not needed. The internet is a tool, and we should always remember that we represent our loved ones when we put our thoughts into the universe.

Books and Journaling: Start a new book on a topic that interests you and use that time as an evening or morning ritual instead of jumping on your phone or turning on the television. Audio books are also an option, and the subject matter is limitless, depending on what you want to learn about or become aware of. There are many benefits to reading books you can read about online, and too much screen time, big or small, has its downfalls. If you want to take it further, you can also start a book club with your family, friends, or community. Knowledge is power; we can learn and change much if we do our best. Start with one chapter a day and increase your reading limit as you feel reasonable. Journaling is also an excellent way to release some built-up tension that we typically store in our memory. Highlight in your journal things you experienced that you donʼt want to talk about with others, and put memories on paper that you can reflect on later in life if you choose. Highlighting a positive for the day or a goal you accomplished deserves to be mentioned, even if it is just to yourself. Start the day with some thought drops or end your day depending on how you see fit. If you donʼt want to journal, talk to someone about your feelings (if they have the space/time to), dance, draw, play an instrument, or whatever makes you feel happy inside.

Body/Fitness/Diet

Eating Healthier: Embarking on a journey towards healthy eating can take many exciting paths. It's crucial to consider the availability of nutritious foods and reflect on what healthy eating truly means. Dive into this exploration by reading insightful books, engaging with informative articles, or seeking advice from trusted individuals already thriving on this journey. Some people like meal prepping for the week to be consistent in their routines or grocery shopping only for specific days. One crucial factor is being mindful of what we consume through ingredients or even where and how far our food comes from, which can be something to ponder. Eating local and organic foods is fantastic but can also be challenging, depending on your area. Embrace what you have and make the most of it. If you're looking for an exciting challenge, why not set a goal to start growing your food? Food is medicine and undoubtedly plays a significant role in our mood, output, and functionality. Take it a day at a time, and donʼt beat yourself up when taking a cheat/rest day from your usual routine. Craving a late-night snack? Instead of reaching for a big meal, try opting for healthy snacks to keep those evening hunger pangs at bay!

Active Lifestyle: The benefits of being physically active are usually the most focused area for healthy living, even though the other areas are just as important. We must consider our capacity for exertion with physical wellness and keep our limits in mind. Thereʼs not a better feeling than getting our heart rate up a little to remind ourselves that we are ALIVE. Of course, before some physical movement, it is essential to stretch out all areas of our body, even if we are not going to work out. Make this habit, and if you want to promote healthy movement, you can see if any co-workers may wish to partake in some short exercises during lunch. Small steps include taking walks, hikes, and various home exercises (YouTube) that require little to no equipment. Of course, you get a free trial at a gym, and many places also offer guided group workouts and team training, or you could even reach out to someone you know who exercises as support. It is a process to build upon that shouldnʼt be an inconvenience to your schedule and should be looked at as fun that your body truly will appreciate. Take this one day at a time, and if you need motivation, there are empowerment talks on YouTube to get your brain thinking about why you should get to move your body.

Day to Day: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially outdoors. Ensure you drink enough water to keep your body functioning at its best. Incorporate mindful meditation into your daily routine in the morning, midday, or before bed. Guided meditations and soothing sounds are free on platforms like YouTube and various audio streaming services. These practices help reduce stress by keeping you focused on the present moment without distractions.

Adequate sleep is another cornerstone of good health. Aim for 7-8 hours each night to maintain a stable energy level throughout the day. Establish a consistent bedtime routine by winding down an hour earlier than usual and gradually adjust as needed. Instead of relying on energy drinks, opt for healthful alternatives like teas that offer a natural boost.

Embracing these simple yet effective habits will enhance overall well-being and lead a more balanced, vibrant life.

Community/Relationships

Empathy Over Ego. One thing that is very important for self is our emotional intelligence and the importance of being able to communicate with others in an effective manner. With political tension high right now as well, it can also be helpful to do your research when a trending or specific issue arises and to keep conversations on these topics only with those who can have civil talks without being defensive in a way where they are making you feel wrong about your perspective. Engaging in online arguments with someone flexible in their beliefs could be more productive. Instead, try to imagine yourself in their position and connect with humble, wise individuals with the knack for making others feel welcome, regardless of their beliefs or perspectives. The ultimate goal is to recognize our unique differences and understand that peaceful coexistence is essential for survival. Embrace diversity by participating in events or activities outside your usual routine or offering support during significant times for different groups. Travel and immerse yourself in other cultures whenever possible to broaden your perspective and appreciation for our diverse world.

Volunteering/Being a Good Relative- There is no better way to give back than by sharing resources/knowledge that benefits someone else. Volunteering is an opportunity to connect with people in your community and see what life is like outside your personalized belief systems. We may meet someone with some insightful knowledge or wisdom that we carry for the rest of our lives or vice versa. It's time to contact those blood relatives or friends we haven't heard from. We genuinely care about these people and must approach them with genuine authenticity. Everyone appreciates a conversation and a check-in, but remember to ensure you have the emotional capacity for these interactions—setting boundaries is vital!

Moreover, joining a friend in a social activity can be incredibly meaningful. It strengthens your bond and provides a chance to see how you can serve others and build your character. Consider volunteering at local community centers, participating in community feeds, or supporting organizations doing impactful work. Remember, it's about solidarity, not charity.

Spirituality/ Inner Beliefs

Roots/Self-Understanding- We may often question who we are or our purpose in life. A first step that can be helpful in this area is reconnecting to where our ancestors come from and the significance that your background can play out in your life. It can be challenging to navigate the world when we donʼt have a how-to guide on how our forefathers and foremothers would approach certain situations. Knowing where we come from gives us a better insight into ourselves and can instill a sense of pride if we highlight our respected nations' positive and non-violent accomplishments. Steps could be tracing and researching to make up a family tree and figuring out one's original homeland. Also, be mindful of the Indigenous peoples on the land that you occupy and show acknowledgment of that. Having these conversations about ourselves and our people can be very helpful if the question does arise in our journeys of where youʼre from, and being honest about that is very important. People always respect if you come with genuine intentions, and they can often read that from someone right off the back. Everyone has their views on a higher power, and when all else fails in trying to find ourselves, prayer can help. That looks different for everyone, and it all comes down to honoring the good things provided for us daily.

Mindfulness of Surroundings/Thoughts: It's crucial to be aware of our interactions and the energy we exchange in our daily lives. Sometimes, people can drain our energy without us even realizing it. This can manifest as verbal abuse or subtle manipulation. Trust your instincts because your body never lies. If you feel someone close to you doesn't have your best interests at heart, seek a second opinion.

We all make mistakes, but instead of holding onto repressed emotions, let's learn from them. These negative feelings, if ignored, can eventually impact our health. Be kind to yourself, and if you struggle with questions or unresolved feelings, consider seeking professional help. Nizhoni Counseling offers various options to confront the challenges holding you back.

Remember, we all possess unique gifts and skills. Our life's purpose is to discover and share these talents with others. Embrace your strengths and use them to contribute positively to the world.

Last Minute Thoughts

Take deep breaths when anxious, nervous, or trying to ground yourself. Create a weekly schedule of your to-doʼs if you need some organization in your life. Learn to say NO if something doesnʼt seem right or you are being peer pressured. Take frequent breaks while working at a desk or watching a computer screen all day.

Practice positive self-talk often (Give yourself credit when no one does)

Create simple lists to hold yourself accountable with finances and anything else. Always be mindful of your environment and your intentions of what you are about to say.