Settling In: Seasonal Light Shifts and Your Environment
This November, we’re returning to the body.
As the light changes, so do we. You might feel it already, that tug to go to bed earlier, the extra effort it takes to wake up, or a desire to stay cozy and close to home. These are not flaws in your motivation. They’re physiological cues from your nervous system.
🌤️ Your Body Tracks the Light
The environment shapes our bodies. Light is one of the most potent regulators of our nervous system; it influences everything from our mood to our digestion to our sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). As the days shorten, your body receives fewer signals to stay alert and more cues to slow down. You might notice:
Sleepiness earlier in the evening
Trouble focusing or a dip in motivation
Craving heavier or “comfort” foods
Feeling more introverted or overstimulated by social demands
This is your system adapting to a natural shift. But in a world that rarely slows down with the seasons, we often miss or override these signals.
✨ Somatic Practice: Orient to Your Light
Here’s a practice to try this week. No journaling, no tech, just your body and its surroundings.
You might notice a time of day when the light feels noticeably different. Take a moment to practice.
Sit near a window or step outside for a few minutes to take in the fresh air. Let your eyes adjust naturally.
Gently move your head side to side, letting your eyes scan the environment.
Without judging or interpreting, notice the colours, lightness or darkness, movement, and stillness.
Ask yourself:
What does my body want in response to this light?
More stillness? Movement? A breath? A shift in posture?
This simple orientation helps regulate the nervous system by restoring a sense of safety and connection to your environment.
🛋️ Tend to It in Therapy
Bring this into session if you notice:
You’re struggling with the seasonal change
You feel pressured to keep your summer pace
You’re ignoring what your body is asking for
Try opening with:
“I’m noticing I feel different lately: tired, foggy, just off. I think it might be the season change.”
“Can we explore how my environment affects how I feel?”
“I want to find a rhythm that works with the season, not against it.”
📣 Prepared for Action?
Somatic therapy doesn’t just explore emotions — it tracks how your body responds to your environment. If you’re curious about working with your nervous system this season, let’s talk.
📍 Book a free 20-minute consult
