As humans, we’re often expected to maintain the same energy, productivity, and pace year-round, but let’s be real: that’s not how nature—or our bodies—work. The truth is, it’s completely natural to feel and behave differently depending on the time of year. In fact, we’re biologically hardwired to respond to seasonal changes in the environment.

Yet, modern society, especially in the Western world, pushes us to act like robots—always productive, always “on.” This mentality is largely a product of capitalism and doesn’t align with how humans, as biological animals, are designed to live. We’re mammals, and like other mammals, we have cycles, instincts, and natural rhythms that shift with the seasons.

So, let’s dive into why it’s not only okay, but essential to embrace these seasonal shifts. We’ll explore how evolution and our mammal brains make it totally normal to crave different foods, activity levels, and rest patterns as the seasons change—and why honoring those rhythms can help us live happier, healthier lives.

Evolution and Seasonal Living

Throughout history, humans lived in harmony with the seasons. Our ancestors relied on the natural environment for food, shelter, and warmth, and their survival depended on responding to the seasonal changes around them. The shorter days of fall and winter meant conserving energy and preparing for colder months, while the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer encouraged growth, movement, and abundance.

In this way, we’re just like wolves, bears, or even bees. Wild animals naturally adjust their behaviors and activity based on the time of year. Wolves hunt less when food is scarce, bears hibernate during winter, and bees spend the fall preparing their hives for colder weather. While we may not have to store nuts for winter like squirrels, our biology still responds to these seasonal shifts.

As we move through the seasons, our energy levels, sleep patterns, and even our diets change. Yet, in today’s world, we’re expected to be consistent no matter the time of year. But when we try to override our biology, we risk burnout, fatigue, and a sense of imbalance. Instead, we can take a cue from nature and live in alignment with the seasons.

Transitioning from Summer to Fall: Slowing Down

As summer turns to fall, one of the first changes many people notice is a shift in energy. Summer is often a time of high activity, longer days, and socializing, while fall invites us to slow down, reflect, and rest.

This isn’t laziness; it’s biology.

Just as animals start to conserve energy in preparation for winter, our bodies naturally begin to crave more rest as the days get shorter. During fall, you might find yourself wanting more comfort food, cozy nights in, or even feeling more introspective. These instincts align with the shift in seasons—your body is telling you to adjust your pace.

This isn’t just about fall, though. In winter, our need for rest and warmth is at its highest. In spring, we start to feel renewed energy as the days get longer, mirroring the growth happening in nature. And by the time summer rolls around, we’re typically at our most active, thanks to the abundance of sunlight and warmth.

Eating Habits: Why Your Cravings Change with the Seasons

It’s not just our energy that shifts with the seasons—our eating habits do too. As the weather cools, many of us instinctively reach for heartier, warming foods. And this isn’t just because we love fall flavors (though, who doesn’t love a good pumpkin spice latte?). It’s part of our evolutionary biology.

Just like animals store food for the winter, our ancestors ate more calorie-dense meals to prepare for colder months. While we might not need to stock up for survival in the same way today, the craving for rich, comforting meals is a reflection of this seasonal shift.

In the warmer months, we naturally gravitate towards lighter, more refreshing foods like fruits and salads. This is because our bodies don’t need the same energy reserves when it’s hot out, and we tend to be more active. As spring turns to summer, our diets typically mirror the abundance of fresh produce and longer, more energetic days.

Sleep Patterns: It’s Okay to Sleep More in Fall and Winter

One of the most obvious changes as fall approaches is the increase in melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep. Shorter days mean our bodies are ready for rest earlier, and we might feel like we need more sleep than during the bright, sunny summer months.

Think about how animals adjust their activity levels based on the season—bears hibernate, wolves rest more, and birds migrate to conserve energy. Our ancestors did much the same, winding down during colder months and conserving their energy when resources were limited.

If you feel the urge to hit snooze more often or go to bed earlier as fall rolls in, listen to your body. It’s a natural response to the seasonal shift, and your mammal brain is telling you to prioritize rest.

Activity Levels: Moving in Sync with the Seasons

In the same way that our energy and eating habits shift with the seasons, so does our approach to movement. Summer’s long, sunny days tend to make us feel more active, which is why we’re often more social and energetic in those months. But as fall arrives, our bodies naturally start to slow down, craving less intense activity and more restorative movement.

This doesn’t mean we should stop moving altogether. Instead, fall and winter are great times to embrace activities that are gentler on the body, like yoga, walking, or strength work focused on mobility. Think of it as an internal “winterizing” process, preparing your body for the months ahead by conserving energy and moving more mindfully.

In contrast, as spring arrives and the days grow longer, we often feel a renewed sense of energy, prompting us to get outside, move more, and engage in activities that align with the renewal and growth we see in nature.

For Business Owners: Why Seasonal Living Should Influence Your Workflow

If you’re a business owner, it’s especially important to recognize that you’re not immune to seasonal cycles—and neither is your business. Modern entrepreneurship often comes with the pressure to be endlessly productive, always launching, always scaling. But just like your body, your business can benefit from embracing seasonal rhythms.

Think about how different seasons can influence your work:

• Spring: A season of growth and renewal. This is a great time to launch new projects, introduce fresh ideas, or start new marketing campaigns. Just as nature starts blooming, your creativity and energy for new ventures are likely to be at their peak.
• Summer: The longer days and abundant energy can help you push through high-output periods. This might be a time for more external-facing activities, like hosting events, networking, or ramping up your visibility. However, be mindful of not overextending yourself—summer is also a time for balance, where you can use the extra daylight to integrate fun and relaxation into your schedule.
• Fall: Just as animals prepare for winter, you might find that fall is a season to start winding down certain projects, evaluating the year’s performance, and preparing for the next phase of growth. It’s a great time for reflection, financial planning, and setting new goals for the upcoming year.
• Winter: This season invites you to rest, recharge, and focus inward. It’s the perfect time for deep work, revisiting business strategies, and laying the foundation for future growth. Winter doesn’t mean stopping entirely, but it does encourage a slower, more intentional pace.

By syncing your business strategy with the natural rhythm of the seasons, you not only support your own well-being but also create a more sustainable approach to growth. You can use high-energy seasons to launch and expand, while slower periods offer a chance for reflection, recalibration, and rest.

Our Mammal Brain vs. Modern Society

The idea that we should be “on” and productive year-round is largely a modern construct. Capitalism has conditioned us to prioritize constant productivity over well-being, but our mammal brains aren’t wired for that. Just as wolves don’t hunt in the dead of winter and bears don’t emerge from hibernation until spring, we also need to honor our natural cycles.

Unfortunately, the hustle culture mindset pushes us to act like machines, completely disconnected from the natural world. But the more we fight our biology, the more we risk burnout, stress, and disconnection from ourselves. Instead, we can start to tune into the seasons, honoring the times when we need to push forward and the times when we need to slow down.

Embracing Seasonal Living

The changing seasons are a reminder that we are part of nature, and it’s okay—necessary, even—to adapt our routines, habits, and mindsets throughout the year. As we move into fall, take this as an opportunity to slow down, rest more, and align your life with the rhythms of the natural world. And as winter, spring, and summer come around, continue to tune into what your body and mind need at each stage.

In the upcoming posts, we’ll be diving deeper into how to live in sync with the seasons—from adjusting your workouts and meals to shifting your mindset and self-care practices. Together, we’ll explore how living seasonally can help us feel more connected, balanced, and in tune with the world around us.

Stay tuned as we embrace the art of seasonal living—one season at a time.