How my life changes every 3 months
A guide to living slowly with the seasons
I find so much joy in the changing seasons.
As I’ve grown, I’ve found myself noticing these seasonal shifts more and more. Each brings it own unique beauty and challenges. Leaning into these changes helps me stay present, connected to nature and slow down.
Today, I thought I’d share my guide on how you too can live in tune with the seasons…
Walking
One thing that stays consistent through all the seasons is walking. I am out in nature every day, from hammering hail to scorching heat (less so of the latter in Scotland!). This is partly due to the fact that I have a dog, but I would continue this routine if this wasn’t the case. Its crucial for both my physical and mental health.
I have a range of different walks that I vary through the seasons. This means I can find quiet spots in the busy tourist season and rambles that are still accessible in heavy snow.
I recommend creating your own portfolio of walks that you can visit no matter the season.
Routines
My energy is not constant throughout the year. Many of us naturally feel more energised in the warmer months with the longer days and more inclined to hibernate in the darker winter.
Rather than ignoring this, where practical, I change my routines to match the seasons.
This is especially the case with my morning routine. In the summer, I love flying out of the house as early as possible, to galivant in the wild with the dog. Whereas I take the darker winter mornings at a much slower pace and choose to snuggle with a book for the first hour of the day.
I love both in equal measure and they bring a wonderful variety to the year.
Cooking
Cooking seasonally has so many benefits. By choosing to plan meals around plants that are in season, you are able to reduce food miles, support local farmers and this is often the cheaper and healthier option.
I’ve tried to be more mindful with the seasonal ingredients I use in my cooking. That means I enjoy the bounty of summer, with plenty of fresh green salads and berry smoothies. Although less grows in winter, some of my favourite foods are in season at this time of year, to include hearty roots vegetables and dark leafy greens.
A small change that can make a real difference.
Wardrobe
As some of you may know, I chose to keep a minimal capsule wardrobe (watch my wardrobe tour here).
This is partly due to the space constraints of a tiny house, by also aligns with my values of living a simpler and more sustainable life.
Previously, I have kept all my clothes out year round. However, last year I started putting a few clothes away that were not practical to wear. Although most of my clothes can be layered and worn throughout the year, especially in the unpredictable Scottish weather, there are a handful of items that I wouldn’t wear in certain months.
Putting these items aside meant I could create more space in my wardrobe. A bonus benefit is that getting out these seasonal items is akin to the excitement to buying new clothes. Shopping your own wardrobe means you could be less tempted to add new items to your wardrobe every season. I highly recommend!
Reading
I started reading seasonally last year, after watching Darling Desi’s beautiful content on this.
This means that I try and curate a reading list that makes sense for the season ahead. I’m drawn to more light-hearted novels in the summer whereas save more gloomy, atmospheric reads for the cosy winter months.
I’ve had so much fun doing this and it has meant I read more than ever!
Although these are small tweaks, living with the seasons has made a real impact on my life. Moving with nature’s rhythm is a joy that I am forever grateful for.
Do share how you like to change your life with the seasons below. I’d love to read about it!
Until next week,
Molly xx
My Favourites
What I’m reading
Rachel’s Holiday, Marian Keyes
I’ve been obsessed with all things Marian Keyes recently and this book is a complete classic. Never disappoints!
What I’m listening too
‘Gratitude for life’s beauty (meditation)’ Aura app - https://www.aurahealth.io/hhlaff
I adore Aura’s hugely varied and beginner friendly meditation classes. Follow the link above to get 25% off and a 7 day free trial
What I’m watching
Darling Desi’s - My favourite books to read in spring
I love her beautiful seasonal content!
What I’m cooking
Watch my vlog here to see how I amend this yummy spring recipe.
Great article! I really like the recommendation of making a portfolio of seasonal walks. Where I live in Norway, the winter is really long with lots of snow. And since I don't like cross country skiing that much, it can be difficult to find good walks in the winter months (which is six months of the year...) But I'm thinking of buying snowshoes next year, so that I can make some trails for myself in the forest 😊
I'm not sure if you've heard of the idea of our bodies also following the rhythms of the seasons and moon. I first heard about it from author Kate Northrup. You can read about it in her book, Do Less. It's truly a fascinating way to live according to the energy we have each day, based on the moon and our bodies. I think you would really enjoy it too.