Moving Mentally with the Seasons

As the new year unfolds, it offers a chance to align our minds with the changing seasons. Much like the shift from winter to spring, the start of a new year brings with it a sense of renewal and possibility. It’s a time to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and set the stage for the future.

The connection between the seasons and mental well-being is deeply ingrained in many cultures worldwide. Just as the earth experiences cycles of growth and dormancy, we, too, move through cycles of energy and introspection. The colder months encourage reflection, rest, and self-care, while the new year invites a forward momentum, shedding the mental clutter of the previous year to make space for fresh experiences and aspirations.

Breathing in the new year isn’t just symbolic; it’s a deeply therapeutic practice. Breathing exercises are central to various cultural traditions, used as a way to centre oneself and connect with the present moment. In many Asian practices, such as Chinese medicine and yoga, the act of breathing is seen as a method of resetting the mind and aligning the body with the natural rhythms around us. A simple, deep inhale followed by a slow exhale helps to release tension, calm the mind, and create clarity.

This mental reset is essential when thinking about the year ahead. It’s a moment to step back, breathe, and plan—not just with traditional goals in mind, but with intention that fosters emotional and mental growth. While it’s common to focus on career, health, and financial goals, the importance of mental health often takes a backseat. This year, making space for nurturing relationships and prioritising the people who bring joy and support into life is as important as any other goal.

The act of letting go—whether it’s old habits, grudges, or negative thoughts—is often freeing. In many Indigenous cultures, including Native American traditions, the concept of releasing is closely tied to nature. The changing seasons offer an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves, much like the trees shedding their leaves in autumn. It’s a reminder that we, too, can release what holds us back from living our best lives.

This year, it’s worth reflecting on any mental baggage being carried. Are there limiting beliefs, past regrets, or fears that have been preventing growth? A new year provides a fresh start, a chance to recalibrate, and a reminder that it’s possible to let go of anything no longer in alignment with personal purpose.

In many cultures, the beginning of the year is a time to gather with loved ones and strengthen community bonds. Whether it’s the tradition of "first-footing" in Scotland, where people visit friends and family for good luck, or the Chinese New Year, celebrated with family reunions, these rituals highlight the importance of connection. They remind us that well-being is not just individual but deeply tied to the collective.

This year, spending time with those who bring positivity, challenge, and joy into life strengthens not only personal health but also the well-being of those around. At the same time, offering support to others fosters a sense of shared responsibility for one another’s mental and emotional wellness. Just as nature thrives through interconnectedness, so too do we grow stronger when we nurture relationships and communities.

The new year offers the opportunity to align with the natural rhythms of the seasons, breathing deeply, releasing the old, and welcoming the new. It’s a time for mental and emotional renewal, for planning a year of growth, connection, and well-being. Letting go of the past, embracing the present, and moving forward with intention allows for the potential to thrive in the months ahead.

Felicity | Founder