Learning Self-Care Tips from Mother Nature

Imagine your favorite day of the year… What might the weather feel like outside? What might you do in the day, and how might you feel? The memories that come to my mind are the days the sun is shining, with some clouds up in the sky, a cool breeze, yet a comfortable warm temperature. My face often turns toward the sky, I close my eyes and the corners of my mouth begin to smile - the sun warms my skin. I would hear the birds chirping, and I may watch them fly and dance around. Breathing comes easy - my inhales and exhales are slow and deep. This day is probably one of my favorite days, so much so that I desperately grasp on to each moment when they do occur.

Scene from Miss Congeniality (2000)

Now imagine that day - whatever it was that you imagined - becomes your typical day. Day after day, the same. Would you still remember that day as your favorite day? Would you still do the same things? Or would you begin to take your perfect day for granted?

As much as I enjoy my days with warm weather and sunshine, I find that there is a grand appreciation for having all four seasons (which many areas of the world gain exposure to). Each season brings new weather, different temperatures, and a variety of tasks and opportunities. Mother Nature has an agenda that keeps our earth and all living beings healthy. Let’s look at this lesson and bring in the perspective of our own health. If we did the same thing every day, had the same mood, and remained static - would our health, energy, and relationships be optimized, or even sustainable?

Just as each season impacts the earth, each self-care activity and ritual we practice will contribute to the different areas of health and wellbeing that we need to enjoy a quality life. Self-care is not meant to look the same every day; our bodies and minds will require a variety of methods that address our needs. Diversify your understanding of self-care, and explore what practices you may benefit from in reflection of what season you are in. The season you are in may mirror the season of your location in the world. The season you are in may reflect on what is going on both within you, and around you. Are you adjusting to a new routine? Are you growing and expanding? Are you feeling weary, exhausted, and low in energy? Are you feeling stuck?

Now we will look through the seasons, and I will share my lessons and observations I have made in regard to expanding my self-care practices.

Infographic created on Canva by Amber, LPC

Through spring we begin to see plants bloom and flower, animals preparing for and nurturing their newborns, and the sun warms the earth. When I imagine what mother nature is teaching me, I think of “planting seeds, nourishment, and creation”. Your spring season may be inviting you to grow or learn something new. It may prompt you to expand on your goals and endeavors, or spark times for collaborating and connecting with others. In a time for “planting seeds”, experiment with devoting time to learn something new or start up that hobby you’ve been meaning to give a try. In your season of preparing, incorporate cleaning or organizing your environment to optimize your routines, or write out a plan to meet one of the goals you have. For self-care practices that reflect time for nurturing or creativity, take time to connect with others or be intentional in the time with friends and family. You can also include activities like dabbling in art, being playful, dancing, listening to or creating music, or finding a craft you may enjoy.

Summer reminds me of “water, sunshine, and movement”. Sun rays shine bright, and as a result some areas of the world experience droughts. Animals are on the move, visiting watering holes, hunting, and finding shade. Let this symbolism of droughts in our own lives be a reminder of the areas of our health that do not get much of our attention, or even represent a deficiency of our energy. Be gentle, gracious, and kind towards yourself in the season of drought. When you find yourself in low energies or spirits, neglecting yourself, or even needing to give yourself more of your own time and attention, consider exploring your energy levels with curiosity and empathy. Ask yourself what may be a cause to the drain you are feeling, or what is taking you away from self-care right now? Another self-care practice is to accept help from your support system. For some, to take it a challenging step further, ask someone you trust for what you may need to get yourself back in a space of flourishing - and no longer in drought. When your summer season is not representing a “drought”, you may be in the season to absorb and move. In this case make sure to include exercise, staying hydrated, and being outdoors in your self-care routines. Lastly, continue to grow your skills in the hobbies you’re passionate about and in your area of work.

Now we think of autumn; this season brings cooler winds, shorter days, and longer nights. Trees are dropping their leaves, crops are being harvested, and many animals are preparing for hibernation. Let this season remind you to “let go, slow down, and take stock”. Reflecting on our own seasons of life, you may be adjusting to new routines, changing pace, or preparing to sustain your energy. Some self-care practices that will benefit this season include : evaluating your routines, and releasing what is no longer serving you. Ask yourself questions such as : “is what I am currently doing still meeting my needs?”, “does this align with my vision / goals / values?”, “will this serve me while I am becoming my best self?”. Take time to acknowledge your growth! Journaling can be a great resource for many people - especially in opportunities to review and reflect on your growing process. In your “autumn” season, consider journaling moments of forgiveness - this can be forgiving others, seeking forgiveness, or providing love and care to yourself in a practice of self-forgiveness. Writing down what you have been grateful for, and how you share gratitude (not just around Thanksgiving time). Lastly, take moments to pause, slow down, and practice deep breathing.

Finally, winter is this beautiful season that many people enjoy watching from the inside looking out. Glimmers from the snow reflect when the sun shines over it. Most plants and crops lay dormant until the season turns again. Winter brings the reminders to “be within, reflect, and rest”. When your mind or body is communicating that it is time for rest, your self-care practices may look like : being intentional with your pace and how you spend your energy, allowing yourself to take naps, and even practicing yoga or stretching for restoration. Incorporate time to yourself by creating cozy spaces and consuming warm drinks or food. When your winter season resembles the time for reflection and connecting within - try self-compassion meditations, journal about your goal progress, read, or even savor the products of your hobbies and work.

Now we have made it through all four seasons, I hope this has been helpful in expanding your ideas around how you will choose to practice self-care, improving your entire well being, and know that you will have different needs that will require a diverse set of tools to address them. As always, sending peace and joy – brought to you by Amber, LPC.