Natural Ways to Boost Energy During Seasonal Transitions
"Energy and persistence conquer all things" - Benjamin Franklin
That moment when the clocks change and suddenly your body clock goes haywire? Yep, I've been there too. One minute you're feeling the first hints of spring energy, the next you're dragging yourself through the afternoon school run wondering why you feel so utterly knackered despite the extra daylight.
Seasonal transitions hit us hard here in Britain. Our bodies are trying to adjust to changing light patterns, temperature fluctuations, and often unpredictable weather (hello, four seasons in one day). As a single mum juggling work, a teenager with a social calendar busier than mine, and attempting to keep the house from looking like a tornado hit it, I've had to find practical ways to boost my energy without relying on endless cups of tea.
Why Do We Feel So Tired During Seasonal Changes?
Before diving into solutions, let's quickly understand why we feel drained:
Our circadian rhythm (body clock) gets confused by changing daylight hours
Weather shifts affect our vitamin D absorption
Fluctuating temperatures make our bodies work harder
Pollen and seasonal allergies drain energy
British homes often aren't built for optimal air circulation
Morning Routine Shifts That Actually Work
The morning sets the tone for your entire day. Small tweaks here make massive differences:
I've swapped my phone alarm for a sunrise alarm clock that gradually brightens the room before the sound starts. This gentle wake-up mimics natural sunrise and helps reset your body clock. I got mine from Argos for £25 - not cheap, but worth every penny for how much better I feel. Here's a similar one on Amazon.
Next, I open the curtains immediately. Even on grey days (and we get plenty), natural light helps your brain understand it's daytime.
Water before the cuppa. I know, practically sacrilege in a British household, but drinking a large glass of water with a squeeze of lemon before your morning cuppa rehydrates your body after hours without fluid. I keep a water bottle on my bedside table so there's no excuse.
The British Garden's Energy Boosters
Our gardens offer brilliant natural energy solutions:
Mint grows like a weed but a handful of fresh leaves steeped in hot water provides a refreshing, energising drink without caffeine. I've planted mine in a pot to stop it taking over everything else - I suggest you do the same!
Nasturtiums aren't just pretty - their peppery leaves and flowers are packed with vitamins. I add them to my morning eggs or salads for a nutritional boost.
Even ten minutes of morning gardening connects you with nature and gets your blood flowing. I often deadhead flowers or water plants while my tea brews, and this small activity significantly improves my morning energy.
Kitchen Staples for Lasting Energy
Forget complicated American-style smoothie bowls with ingredients you can't pronounce. These British kitchen staples provide steady, sustained energy:
Porridge made with Scottish oats releases energy slowly throughout the morning. I top mine with whatever seasonal fruit is available at the local greengrocer - gooseberries and rhubarb in spring, berries in summer.
Eggs. On toast, hard boiled, or shoved in a sandwich. Simple, effective, protein-rich. The choline in eggs supports brain function while the protein keeps you full. I boil a batch on Sunday evenings for quick weekday breakfasts.
Homemade flapjacks with reduced sugar. I make these with my teenager on weekends, and they're perfect for that mid-afternoon energy slump. The oats provide slow-release energy while a small amount of honey gives just enough sweetness.
Movement That Doesn't Require Lycra or Memberships
You don't need expensive gym memberships or fancy equipment:
'Walking meetings' changed my work-from-home life. I take calls while walking around the local park or even just my garden. The movement boosts energy while ticking off work tasks.
Kitchen dancing looks ridiculous but works brilliantly. Three minutes of bouncing around to whatever's on the radio while waiting for the kettle to boil increases heart rate and energy levels. My teenager finds it mortifying, which is an added bonus.
Three- or five-minute room tidy-ups. Set a timer and focus intensely on one small area. The physical activity combined with the satisfaction of completion provides both physical and mental energy boosts.
Managing Energy Drains
Identifying what saps your energy is just as important as finding boosts:
I've rearranged my workspace to face the window, maximising natural light exposure. British winters are dark enough without staring at a wall all day!
The school run used to leave me exhausted before the day properly started. Now I prepare everything the night before - uniforms laid out, packed lunches made, bags by the door. This simple routine saves mental energy for more important things.
Social media boundaries make a massive difference. I've removed social apps from my phone, only checking them on my laptop at specific times. The constant comparison and doom-scrolling was silently draining my energy reserves!
Seasonal Supplements That Actually Help
When diet and lifestyle aren't quite enough:
Vitamin D supplements from October to March are essential in the UK due to our limited sunlight. I noticed a significant energy improvement after taking them consistently.
Iron levels often drop during seasonal transitions, especially for women. I incorporate more spinach, lentils and occasionally liver into our family meals during these periods.
Magnesium helps with energy production and sleep quality. I take a supplement before bed during particularly busy weeks, and the difference in my morning energy is noticeable.
Small Changes, Big Impact
The beauty of these approaches is that they're achievable without massive lifestyle overhauls. Start with one or two that sound manageable, and slowly incorporate others.
Remember, we're not aiming for perfection here - just small improvements that make daily life more energised and enjoyable. After all, making life easier is what it's all about, isn't it?
What small energy-boosting changes have you found work best for your family? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments.
