Fire Up Your Best Life

Harness the POWER of the CHANGING SEASON and set yourself up for optimal energy and happiness levels

In all of nature, the one time of the year that signifies a new start is the season of spring. Experts agree that the winter/spring change over period is an integral time of year to map out how you want your life to proceed. ‘We all know winter, with its long, dark days, is often linked to illnesses such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and inflammation of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease,’ says naturopath Mim Beim.

‘But spring is its antithesis, with a strong association with growth, renewal and transformation.’ Science backs up the theory; dopamine – the chemical messenger that promotes pleasure, confidence and motivation – increases with exposure to sunlight, says psychologist Dr Lissa Johnson. ‘Longer days and more light are known to lift mood, which is thought to be driven partly by changes in neurotransmitter levels,’ she says. ‘But psychologically, past associations with spring can permeate our state of mind, while the connotations of rebirth, renewal and newness can open us to these very perspectives on ourselves.’ The question is – how do you utilise this powerful energy to overhaul your life?