Spring Energy Tips: Seasonal Productivity & Personal Growth
Seasonal Productivity & Personal Growth
How can we look at spring to help us understand our own personal growth and why it’s so important to focus on our energy as we work towards any goal.
The essence of spring is growth and change. It’s those moments of hope and seeing the darker days become lighter.
With the spring comes visible change, bringing that fresh start feeling. It’s also a good reminder that change can take time and while the days begin to get lighter and the weather begins to warm, there are still those colder, wet days along the way.
Let's explore seasonal productivity and how it can change your entire approach to energy management and personal growth.
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Table of Contents
The Spring Connection
Inner Growth
One of the most frustrating things about working towards goals is the lack of tangible results – especially in those early days.
If you’ve ever had to lose weight, the scales can tell you a much different story to what’s actually happening inside. For many this causes frustration, a drop in motivation and feeling like giving up.
But as spring teaches us, growth and change happens before spring arrives and the flowers and plants begin to push through to the surface.
Patience With Yourself
Spring is a great reminder that we need to be patient, to trust that the work you are doing each day is making a difference and edging you closer to your goal.
Throughout spring there’s a mixture of cold and wet weather (especially if you’re in the UK!) and those tantalising warmer, brighter days that give us a sneak peek into what’s on its way.
From frosty mornings to warm afternoons, it shows us that it’s good to embrace your own pace and trust that by doing the work, you are making changes, even if sometimes it doesn’t feel like it!
Spring Energy
Energy levels play a huge part in any kind of growth. For women who manage fluctuating monthly energy, or those with low energy / fatigue related illnesses; understanding this will be key to successful and long lasting change.
When I think of spring energy, I think about building momentum, coming out of a low energy space, introducing new habits and letting go of old ones that may be holding me back.
But as with spring, energy can fluctuate just like the weather can change from day to day. Managing energy has been my focus since becoming unwell in 2011, and while I’m good at noticing subtle shifts, my mindset isn’t always compassionate and understanding.
If you’re someone like me that gets over excited when in that ‘new beginnings’ phase, use these lessons from spring to help you approach your work or goals in a way that’s sustainable.
Spring Energy & Seasonal Productivity
Begin with awareness as this is how you will notice and respond to your physical, emotional and energetic needs.
Energy Check-In:
When you wake each morning, spend a few quiet moments noticing your energy levels. Use this awareness to guide your morning routine. For example if you notice energy is low, swap a gym workout for a gentle walk or stretches.
Energy-Aware Planning:
Approach this with compassion and grace and plan your day (where possible) with this in mind. If my energy levels have dipped too low I revert to my Plan B (Low energy plan). This is why I started my businesses, I needed the freedom to adapt.
If this isn’t possible, consider small things you could do to conserve your energy. Think about things that can wait for another day, ask for help or let those around you know that you may need some extra rest time.
Monthly Energy Monitoring.
Notice any patterns with energy dips or peaks. Where possible plan your work, meetings, calls or other high-energy tasks around this knowledge. For example, if you notice your energy is higher early in the morning, focus on the most important / high energy tasks first.
Plan plenty of rest breaks. Using the principles of the Pomodoro Technique, break your day into smaller sessions with regular breaks. Give yourself easier, lower energy tasks after working on high energy ones to help your energy recover.
Be flexible. I get how frustrating uncertainty can be, but learning to adapt and be flexible is the best way to approach those low energy days. If you manage low energy, things like pacing can help you avoid Post Exertion Malaise (PEM).
Gentle Growth Approach
Start small: When you begin working towards goals it can be tempting to go full force with big changes and lots of new habits. But this can impact your energy and motivation quite quickly. Instead, start small by introducing one or two new habits that will give you quick wins. These micro wins are brilliant for motivation, especially when results take a while to be visible.
Be consistent but flexible: The magic of growth and change is in the daily reps. Being consistent with new habits will build a good, strong foundation, and over time will become second nature to you.
Accept imperfection: Just like spring has days where it can feel like we’re back in winter, growth isn’t a linear thing. There will be bumps along the way for you as well. There may be days where you can’t get to the gym, or you cannot face doing the one thing you need to do. Life can bring unplanned challenges, but these interruptions or changes in plans do not mean you’ve fallen behind, or that you’re failing.
Flexible timelines: Be adaptable to your own needs, your energy and those times when life does get in the way of your goals. A pause isn’t quitting, it’s intentionally taking time out to do or experience other things along the way. It’s the time you need to rest and recharge. Letting go of the all-or-nothing thinking is key, and trusting that you are moving forward at your own pace.
When we think about the changing seasons, we understand that each has a role to play in nature. We also trust that the seasons will change, and that spring always follows summer.
When you approach your goals, whether they’re personal or professional; trust that you will achieve them. Your path and timeline may be different to the next person, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get there.
Take a look at this post for more information on Gentle Productivity and see how it relates to seasonal productivity:
What Season Are You in?
If we think about each season and what they represent, where are you at the moment? Understanding seasonal productivity will allow you to make decisions based upon what you need right now.
Spring – Awakening & New Beginnings.
As you look around you begin to notice the first stirrings of spring. The growth of flowers, blossoms beginning to bud on trees and a gradual shift to longer days. This is when you plant your seeds, and have a good clear out in the garden or your home. For those working towards goals, it’s about taking those first steps. Noticing a shift in your energy and starting new things. A sense of momentum and excitement is beginning to build.
Summer – High Energy.
The summer months consist of longer days, higher energy, freedom and a sense of adventure. The days are brighter and warmer, with nature in full bloom. This summer energy is when you’re at your best. Your energy is high, you're making good progress and feeling positive.
But it’s important to be mindful of pushing too hard in this energy as you don’t want to head to burnout. Think of it as drinking more water when it’s hot so that you stay more hydrated, or watering your plants to keep them alive when there’s little rain.
Autumn – Reviewing & Celebration.
By the time autumn rolls around, nature is busy shedding leaves, fruits are ripe and ready to harvest. All of that hard work needs to be enjoyed and celebrated. As nature begins its preparation for the winter months, it’s a great time to evaluate your own progress. Look back at what you have achieved. Take the time to enjoy things as they are. Use it to notice and celebrate growth.
I always think of September as my 2nd New Year because of the school term and moving on to be a teacher, my mind and body still seems to respond to those learned routines. When in this reflective autumn period, it’s a great time to reconnect with your goals, and check that they’re still aligned.
Winter – Rest & Internal Reflection.
Winter is the season of rest and internal reflection. When energy is low, winter is the time to rest more, take care of your needs and refuel the tank. Whether you’re in this season during the peak of summer months or in December, it’s important to embrace it. Accept it for what it is and trust that it is only temporary. Know that what follows will be a gradual increase in your energy just like the spring months bring that sense of awakening with it.
Read more about working with seasonal productivity here!
Prompts for Seasonal Productivity & Growth
Morning Energy Check-In Prompts:
What are your energy levels this morning? What do you need to do or change to create a schedule that will work with your energy today?
How can you honour your energy today while still making progress towards your main goals?
What is your body telling you about your needs today?
If your energy is low today, write 3 reasons why you’re proud of yourself. Next write your intention for the day with compassion and understanding.
High energy? How can you make the most of this energy without burning out today? How can you pace yourself?
Growth Prompts:
What small changes are you beginning to notice at the moment? Use this as a way to celebrate your progress and commitment to yourself and your goal.
Where are you pushing too hard? What can you do to approach it in a more gentle way that will protect your energy, while still moving forwards?
What does sustainable growth look like for you? What small changes can you make to your daily / weekly routines to create long lasting growth and change?
How do your natural energy patterns align with how you currently plan and work? Where could you make changes to make the most of your days across the month?
Take a look at your current weekly tasks. Give them a rating of how much energy is needed, then think about how sustainable this is during lower energy periods.
What support do you need to protect your energy and keep moving forward?
How can you use seasonal productivity to improve your energy and create sustainable growth?
Weekly Check-In Questions:
What patterns are you noticing in your energy this week?
How have you paid attention to your desire for progress and what your mind and body needs?
What has supported or depleted your energy or wellbeing this week?
What small wins have you noticed over the last 7 days?
What will you bring with you into the next week, and what will you be leaving behind?
Tools, Resources & Support
Below are some of my favourite tools and resources:
Mindset & Wellness Worksheet Bundle – A set of worksheets and activities to help you improve your confidence and sense of wellbeing. A great selection of printable mental health & therapy & coaching tools for personal use, or to use with clients.
Canva Pro – Upgrade your content design with Canva Pro. Explore the enhanced features available in Pro. Grab your free trial here.
Etsy – Are you ready to create your own online store? Etsy is a brilliant shopping platform that's used by millions. Setting up your store is simple, and when you sign up with this link we both get 40 free listings!
Sunsama – Sunsama is a brilliant project management and scheduling tool for simplifying and managing your daily routine. It's great for neurodiverse entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed with managing tasks.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal productivity and personal growth are great ways to assess and reflect upon your own personal journey.
As you get more used to paying attention to your energy levels, and noticing when they dip and peak, you'll be able to sustain a more manageable working pattern that challenges you without burning yourself out!
Whether you're currently in winter mode or springing into summer, when you pay attention to where you are, you can make your life much easier.
How does seasonal productivity fit with your current approach?
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Meet Lynsey
Hey there! I'm Lynsey, a coach, counsellor, and mentor for low energy, introverted or low confident female coaches & small business owners. With over 5 years’ experience of running businesses, and over a decade as a tutor and trainer, I've learned the value of effective time management that energises you through working with your energy.
I've lived with chronic illness – ME/CFS since 2011 and since then I re-trained as a counsellor, and achieved a distinction for my MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice; all while running 4 businesses! I want that for you as well & it is possible with the right support and pathway to success.
Improving your mindset, finding acceptance and developing a solution-focused approach to achieving your goals is my passion. Blending mental health support where needed, as well as a supportive space and methods to manage your work more effectively.
If you'd like to know more about working with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on socials (links in the menu)
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