Why you should save your goal setting until spring
BY Chloe Angus
15th Mar 2024 Wellbeing
3 min read
The gloomy winter months are not the best time
to attempt major life changes, so here’s why to save your goal-setting until
spring
Spring’s potential for goal setting revealed
At the start of every year, people all over the world kick
off a journey towards self-improvement, and take up resolutions for the new
year. But it is disappointing to learn that an alarming 80 per cent of these people give up their New Year’s
resolutions before this point in the year. Does this imply a widespread lack of
self-control—or could it be that January and February, two cold and gloomy
months, are not an ideal time for major life changes?
"Spring can refocus goal setting, making it the best season for transformation"
To address this phenomenon, Mattress Online investigates
how spring can transform us and refocus goal setting on this narrative, and
explains why it may be the best season for embarking on individual quests for
transformation.
Embracing the equinox—spring as a period for self-transformation
The spring equinox sees nature blooming, with rejuvenation and rebirth all around. Credit: Jessica Fadel
Every March 20, the spring equinox arrives not only to mark
the beginning of an astrological year but also as a herald for brighter days.
In explaining why goal attainment thrives most in the spring season, Cavendish
Cancer Care’s Corporate Wellbeing Manager, Chloe Angus shares
her expertise.
Angus argues that during this time of rejuvenation and
rebirth, spring facilitates goal accomplishment more than any other period.
The symbolic rebirth in nature parallels the opportunities available for
personal growth, which encourages positive thinking and enthusiasm. With
lengthening days accompanied by a blooming world around us, the energy and
vitality of spring can be a catalyst for change leading to better lives thus
making it a good moment to set realistic targets aimed at achieving meaningful
goals.
Breaking the mould: freeing ourselves from New Year Resolutions
A common societal expectation that is often associated with
new years revolves around “new year, new you.” Yet Chloe Angus feels there is a
need for self-care during this period where we should just listen to our
bodies. She points out that spring is an optimal time to create fresh
intentions. The rejuvenated environment and the sense of novelty that permeate
the air align with the natural rhythm of growth and change, making it a season
conducive to personal transformation.
"Seasonal Affective Disorder can significantly affect one's ability to go after and achieve goals"
“The new year can hold pressure for people with expectations
of “new year, new you”, but for many people this time of year is when we need
to rest and listen to our body more. Spring can be good to set new intentions—it is a time when things feel fresh and our environment blooms. We can still
set goals and new habits at any time of the year with small consistent steps
that work with our life, however it’s still important to consider your body and
own personal capabilities, especially when dealing with SAD.”
Angus questions the typical practice of setting great
resolutions at the start of each year and instead prefers embracing small,
consistent steps that align with someone’s own personal life. In this regard,
she considers individual abilities while bearing in mind that Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) can significantly affect one’s ability to go after and
achieve goals.
Confronting SAD as an obstacle to goal achievement
Those experiencing SAD may have:
- Persistent low mood
- Less interest and joy
- A lack of focus
- Poor mood control and irritability
- Less energy and needing more sleep—including during the day
- Feelings of despair, hopelessness and lack of worth
- Craving comfort foods causing weight gain
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition characterized
by ongoing low mood and other symptoms can be formidable challenges towards
achieving individual goals. The undiagnosed presence of SAD may unwittingly
sabotage fitness-related resolutions, fostering a belief that one lacks the
inclination to adhere to New Year's goals. Individuals struggling with SAD may
experience waning interest, poor focus and other obstacles which hamper
progress.
However, it is important amid these setbacks to remember
that regular exercise can be a powerful tool for alleviating SAD symptoms.
Instead of postponing resolutions completely, January provides an excellent
period of practicing mindfulness and self-compassion. Staying active is akin to
healing both body and mind simultaneously for as long as possible.
Managing SAD symptoms holistically
Addressing SAD symptoms requires a multi-dimensional and
individual approach. A general practitioner might recommend professional help
such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, light therapy, but people also have
self-help strategies that they can embrace in advance.
"Light therapy is fast becoming a popular treatment for SAD symptoms, imitating natural morning sunlight"
Some of the positive ways that enhance mental health include
exposure to sun rays, stress management skills, good nutrition practice,
intentional use of illumination, and gentle exercise, especially outdoors.
Light therapy is fast becoming a popular treatment for SAD symptoms where an
individual may use a certified lamp or a light box that imitates natural
morning sunlight. Consequently, it produces serotonin which is the mood
enhancing hormone while melatonin, a sleep hormone is suppressed thereby affecting
circadian rhythm positively.
Though light therapy may show immediate results it further
supports the concept of continuous self-care and mental health considerations
particularly when pursuing long-term goals. These interventions incorporated
into one’s life can not only provide symptom relief but also build resilience
and empowerment towards personal aspirations amidst the complexities of living
with SAD.
Banner photo: Spring is the perfect time for setting new goals. Credit: Elina Fairytale
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