The Relief of Spring: A Fresh Start
For many of us, the transition from winter to spring feels like a breath of fresh air. The days get longer, the sun feels warmer, and suddenly, everything feels lighter. While winter doesn’t weigh on me as heavily as it once did, I still feel like a brand-new person when the season shifts. More sunlight, fresh air, and warmth bring a sense of renewal that my body craves.
I notice it in the little things—waking up with more energy, feeling the sun on my skin, wanting to be outside again instead of curled up under blankets. It feels good. It feels like a reset.
But just because spring is a season of renewal doesn’t mean everything inside of me automatically follows suit.
When Seasonal Transitions Stir Up the Past
Even positive change can come with emotional complexities. For trauma survivors, seasonal shifts don’t just affect mood—they can stir up unexpected memories, emotions, and even physical sensations.
Last year, around this time, I found myself unexpectedly triggered—not by the season itself, but by the realization that my son was turning two. That milestone brought up memories of my own trauma at that age, and I found myself processing emotions I hadn’t expected. It hit me in ways I wasn’t prepared for.
I remember feeling both joy and heaviness at the same time—celebrating my son while also grieving the version of myself that didn’t get to experience the same safety and love at that age. It was a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and sometimes, our bodies remember before our minds do.
This Year Feels Different
But here’s the thing—this year doesn’t feel the same as last year.
I spent much of last year processing and fleshing out the trauma that had resurfaced. Because of that, I am more aware of my triggers. I recognize them more quickly, and they don’t catch me off guard in the same way. I’ve learned how to hold space for myself instead of feeling like I have to run from those emotions.
This doesn’t mean everything is perfect—but it does mean I’ve grown. And that’s something worth acknowledging.
Why the Body Remembers Seasons
Trauma isn’t just a mental experience; it’s stored in the body. The nervous system can associate certain times of the year with past experiences, even if we aren’t consciously thinking about them. This is why some people feel off when the seasons change—fatigue, restlessness, tension, or even sadness that doesn’t seem to have a clear reason.
Spring, in particular, represents renewal and forward movement, which can sometimes feel overwhelming if our nervous system is still holding onto past pain. Even physically, the body is adjusting:
• Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: More daylight shifts our sleep-wake cycle, which can throw off our nervous system if we’re sensitive to change.
• Hormonal Adjustments: Increased sunlight triggers more serotonin (our “feel good” hormone), but after months of winter sluggishness, this sudden shift can feel unnerving rather than energizing.
• Stored Trauma & Body Memory: The brain links certain sensory experiences—like temperature, smells, or even the quality of light—to past events. If something difficult happened in a certain season, your body might react instinctively, even if you’re not consciously remembering.
Understanding this helps remove the guilt of “Why do I feel this way when I should be happy?” You don’t have to justify your emotions—your body is just processing.
How to Navigate Seasonal Shifts with Awareness & Self-Compassion
If you’re feeling a mix of relief and emotional weight this spring, you’re not alone. Here are some ways to navigate the transition while holding space for whatever emotions arise:
✅ Grounding Techniques: If you notice your body feeling restless or on edge, grounding can help anchor you in the present. Try deep breathing, walking barefoot outside, or holding something textured in your hands.
☀️ Spending Intentional Time Outside: Sunlight isn’t just good for our mood—it helps regulate our circadian rhythm, boosts vitamin D, and supports overall well-being. Even a few minutes in the sun can make a difference.
✨ Acknowledging Complex Emotions: Just because spring feels like it should be a time of joy doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to feel a certain way. It’s okay if old emotions surface—your body is just processing. Give yourself grace.
⏳ Easing Into Change: Instead of putting pressure on yourself to “wake up and get moving” with the season, let yourself transition at your own pace. Take small steps toward re-engaging with life in ways that feel good to you.
✝️ Faith as a Guide: If old emotions resurface, bringing them to God in prayer can be a powerful way to release them. I’ve had moments where I felt emotions welling up and didn’t know what to do with them—so I simply sat with God in it. I didn’t need answers; I just needed to bring my heart to Him. Sometimes, surrendering those feelings is the most healing thing we can do.
Your Healing Is on Your Timeline
Just as nature takes time to bloom, our bodies and minds also need time to adjust. Be patient with yourself in this transition.
Something I’ve learned over the years is that healing doesn’t follow the seasons. Just because the world is blooming doesn’t mean you have to be fully “better” right now. If you’re still in a season of processing, that’s okay.
It can be easy to compare ourselves to others—especially when discussing “fresh starts” and new beginnings. But your journey is your own, and you don’t have to match anyone else’s pace.
Spring reminds us that growth happens in its own time. Sometimes, healing looks like new blossoms; sometimes, it looks like roots quietly growing beneath the surface. Either way, it’s still progress.
Reflection: How Does Spring Affect You?
If you’ve ever noticed shifts in your mood, body, or emotions when the seasons change, you’re not imagining it. Take a moment to reflect:
• How does your body respond to seasonal transitions?
• Have you ever noticed patterns in your emotions this time of year?
• What are some small ways you can honor your own pace as we step into spring?
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