3 steps to build stress resilience using biological and seasonal rhythms

Do you feel like the same person in February as in June? For most people, the answer is a resounding no. During winter, your energy tends to dip, your immune system takes a hit and you may feel less social. Research finds that people are less inclined to stick to a workout routine in winter. In contrast, spring’s longer days can make you feel like you’re coming alive with energy, with summer reported as the most active and social of the seasons. And depending on what part of the world you live in, your energy in February or June will be very different from family members and colleagues in the opposite hemisphere. I am a behavioral scientist with a decade of experience researching how the brain, body, and behavior influence each other. My work has explored how technology can help measure and promote these connections for better health, such as by tracking activity through wearables or delivering mindfulness training through mobile apps. While these approaches can be incredibly effective, I believe that most research misses the effects of the seasons and other cycles the human body is subject to. Though you may expect your productivity and mood to remain constant regardless of conte…