Stop trying to maintain constant productivity: Your ability to cope with stress changes with the seasons and your own biological clocks
You can build resilience that will work with the changing rhythms in your life.
Your ability to cope with stress fluctuates throughout the year, influenced by a complex interplay between internal biological clocks and external seasonal factors. As the seasons change, so too does your energy level, immune system function, and social engagement. In winter, you may experience reduced motivation to exercise and heightened susceptibility to illness.
Conversely, spring brings longer days and a surge of vitality, making summer the most active and social season. These seasonal shifts can vary significantly depending on your geographical location. For instance, a person in February in the northern hemisphere may feel considerably different from their counterparts in June or those in the southern hemisphere.
As a behavioral scientist, I have found that research often overlooks the impact of seasonal rhythms on stress resilience. While productivity and mood may seem constant, these natural cycles can significantly affect your ability to handle stressors such as parenting, health concerns, and work deadlines. Stress resilience is not a fixed trait but rather a dynamic balance that varies with both individual factors, like genetics and personal habits, and external factors, including the seasons.
The body's internal clocks, influenced by hormones and neurotransmitters, regulate daily rhythms and are synchronized by the master clock. These bodily rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle and chronotype, are shaped by the master clock and can impact your energy levels, mood, and physical readiness. Collective societal rhythms, such as school terms, workplace deadlines, and holidays, also play a role in shaping stress and resilience.
Seasonal changes can drastically alter the demands placed on individuals, particularly when personal rhythms clash with societal expectations. For example, parents may struggle to maintain productivity during school breaks while still adhering to work schedules, and global teams collaborating across time zones face additional challenges in coordinating with colleagues experiencing vastly different seasonal and regional cycles.
To build resilience that aligns with these rhythms, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the impact of seasonal fluctuations on stress and performance. Normalizing conversations about stress, workload management, and mental health can foster a supportive environment that encourages employees to discuss these topics openly. Additionally, implementing tools for tracking stress and promoting personal development can help cultivate resilience year-round.
Techniques like belly breathing have been shown to effectively reduce stress and contribute to overall well-being. By understanding and adapting to the natural cycles that influence stress resilience, individuals and organizations can better navigate the challenges posed by changing environments and maintain optimal performance throughout the year.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
