Why your ability to cope with stress changes with time
Seasonal changes have more effects on your biology and behavior than you might realize
Why our capacity to manage stress shifts over time is influenced by various cyclical factors beyond our immediate surroundings. As seasons change, our biology and behavior undergo transformations that can significantly impact our stress resilience. For instance, winter often brings a decline in energy levels, weakened immune systems, and decreased social interaction. In contrast, spring's longer days can invigorate us, leading to increased productivity and social engagement.
Research suggests that people are less likely to maintain a consistent exercise routine during winter months, while summer is often reported as the most active and social season. These variations in our energy levels and behavior can be attributed to the body's internal clocks, which synchronize our daily rhythms with the help of hormonal and neurotransmitter signaling mechanisms. Our circadian rhythm and chronotype, or natural timing preference, play crucial roles in these processes.
Moreover, societal rhythms such as school schedules, workplace deadlines, and holidays further influence our ability to cope with stress. These collective deadlines can abruptly alter the demands placed on individuals, such as when children are on break but parents must continue working. Seasonal changes in temperature, weather, and daylight exposure also impact our energy levels, food sources, and recreational activities, depending on our geographical location.
The rise of hybrid and remote work arrangements due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased collaboration across time zones, creating unique challenges for organizational performance and resilience. For example, team members in Paris may experience lethargy during a heat wave, while colleagues in Santiago may feel sluggish due to winter, while those in Calgary may feel energized by pleasant temperatures and long summer days.
To build and maintain stress resilience in the face of changing demands and capacities, individuals and global teams can take three steps: first, acknowledge that fluctuations in all these rhythms are normal; second, normalize conversations about stress, seasonal capacity, and workload management; and third, offer tools for regularly monitoring stress, such as wearables or mood-tracking apps, and protect time for personal development and recharging.
By adopting these strategies, we can proactively cultivate resilience and mitigate stress year-round, fostering a more balanced and productive work environment.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
