3 steps to build stress resilience using biological and seasonal rhythms
Do you feel like the same person in February as in June? For most people, the answer is a resounding no. During winter, your energy tends to dip , your immune system takes a hit and you may feel less social. Research finds that people are less inclined to stick to a workout routine in winter. In contrast, spring’s longer days can make you feel like you’re coming alive with energy, with summer…
You may find it surprising that your personality can change depending on the season. During winter, your energy levels typically decrease, and your immune system may weaken, making you feel less inclined to socialize. Research shows that people are less likely to maintain a regular exercise routine in colder months. Conversely, spring brings longer days, often resulting in increased energy and a heightened sense of vitality.
Summer is usually considered the most active and social season, but the specific impact of each season varies based on your geographical location. As a behavioral scientist who has spent a decade studying the interactions between the brain, body, and behavior, I believe that many studies overlook the significant influence of seasonal cycles and biological rhythms on stress resilience.
These rhythms encompass various mechanisms, from cellular-level processes to the universal cycle of seasons. Importantly, these rhythms interact and interact with each other, making resilience a dynamic balance rather than a fixed state. On an individual level, your body's capacity for resilience is influenced by its internal clocks, such as the circadian rhythm and chronotype, which dictate daily rhythms and are synchronized by the master clock.
Other factors, like the female reproductive cycle, also affect energy and mood. Societal rhythms, including school terms, work deadlines, and holidays, further impact our energy levels and performance. Seasonal changes in temperature, daylight, and lifestyle can also significantly impact our stress levels and overall well-being.
In today's globalized workforce, where employees collaborate across different time zones and regions, understanding and adapting to these seasonal rhythms becomes crucial. Companies should foster a culture of psychological safety and provide tools for monitoring stress, such as wearables or mood-tracking apps, to help employees build resilience year-round.
One effective technique to reduce stress is belly breathing. By acknowledging the natural fluctuations in stress and resilience, individuals and global teams can better manage the challenges that arise from cyclical changes in demand and capacity.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
