The Pains of Seasonal Transitions

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. And with that magical day, the activity up the Poudre Canyon and other outdoor recreation areas had more than doubled. With more recreation comes the transition into using different muscles.

After my very first paddle of the season, my abs were sore for the next day or two.

My friend’s arms are limp the day after his first waterski of the season.

At the beginning of summer, one of my students needs to build up strength to get back onto her jet ski.

And the barista at my favorite coffeehouse needs to get used to using her arms again as she transitions from snowboarding to kayaking.

But it’s not just activities that change. Schedules change too.

… You might be transitioning from the school pickup/drop off schedule to summer vacation mode.

… Maybe you’re trying to get in as many national parks as possible as they become more easily accessible.

… You could be transitioning into live, outdoor music season and slathering on bug spray. (Fun fact, my summer scent is citronella. IYKYK.)

However your activity changes, allow yourself some transition time.

Change is hardly only physical

Transitions in a yoga class, like going from a chair pose, to balancing on one leg, and then finding your way into a lunge can be… awkward. You might lose your balance or forget where you’re going or forget to breathe.

In the same way, a change in activities, schedules, and life seasons can be awkward… And it goes beyond the physical logistics.

Change can affect your energy, emotions, cognitive abilities, and even your joy and connection.

An example that’s top of mind...

Whenever the weather gets too hot too fast, my skin breaks out in hives. It’s physically uncomfortable, stressful, and disturbs my sleep. It’s all I can think about and my cognitive function decreases, which is no fun at all. I may or may not pray to have all this discomfort taken away or for the “simple” ability to sleep through the night.

How will you hold space for transitions?

If something changes, you don’t have to keep doing what you were doing before the change.

Yes, having a routine can help ground you. But if your routine isn’t working anymore, you don’t have to keep doing it.

In the northern hemisphere, June brings more sun. Longer days and shorter nights.

This does not mean you need to cram more things into the hours of daylight. It could mean that you spend more time outside and soak up the sun and vitamin D. If you do end up doing more things, you don’t have to do more of the things you don’t like in order to be more productive.

Maybe the heat of the summer drains your energy.

This does not mean you need to push through and deplete yourself.

It could mean you transition to more cooling practices that are designed to replenish energy. Think slower movement, longer holds, more introspective (instead of the quick intensity of vinyasa yoga). Or you drink more water and eat juicy foods.

Choosing a practice that takes your capacity and the context of your life into account is key to sustainable self care. If you're having trouble choosing a practice, let's chat. I'd love to help you out with something that works for you.