The Season of Transition: Why September Exhausts Your Nervous System
As summer fades and the crisp mornings of September set in, the terrain around us abruptly changes. Whether it is navigating the back-to-school hustle, returning to rigid corporate schedules, or sending a child off to university, this season can demand a massive shift in our regular routines.
If you have been feeling unusually exhausted, overwhelmed, or apprehensive this week, I want to validate what you are experiencing and offer a gentle reframe…
You are not doing anything wrong, and your resilience isn’t fading. You are simply navigating a landscape without a familiar map, and your body is working overtime to compensate.
To understand why transitions feel so heavy, we have to look at how our bodies and brains are wired. The human nervous system craves predictability in order to feel safe. When our daily routines change, our brain temporarily loses its map. To protect us, it goes on high alert, constantly scanning this new environment for potential threats. This constant, subconscious scanning requires a massive amount of physiological energy.
As you slowly establish a new rhythm over the coming weeks, this hypervigilance will naturally begin to fade. Until then, it is completely okay to feel a little drained, or to admit that the path you are on right now is rocky. Your brain is simply trying to keep you safe while it charts this new territory.
Today’s Field Note: When the trail feels unpredictable, we can intentionally anchor our nervous system.
When the terrain shifts, we cannot always control the chaos around us, but we can give our nervous system small, intentional anchors of safety throughout our day.
One of my favourite tools to use during seasons of transition is 5-Finger breathing. It is a powerful, portable grounding skill that combines intentional breath work with tactile sensation (touch). It is an easy, accessible, and unobtrusive skill you can use to give yourself a bit of calm no matter where you are.
How to use 5-Finger Breathing:
Hold one hand out in front of you with your fingers spread comfortably apart.
Take the index finger of your other hand and place it at the base of your thumb.
As you slowly breathe in, trace your index finger up the outside of your thumb to the tip.
As you slowly breathe out, trace your index finger down the inside of your thumb.
Continue this steady rhythm (breathing in as you trace up, and breathing out as you trace down) across all five fingers.
Once you reach the base of your pinky finger, you can reverse the direction and trace your way back to your thumb.
By forcing your brain to focus on the physical sensation of touch while simultaneously slowing your breath, you send a direct biological signal to your body that you are anchored, secure, and safe in the present moment.
The seasons will always change, and the trail will occasionally get steep, but with the right tools in your backpack, you can navigate the shift.
Ready to find the path?
If you are looking for a Guide to help you navigate a season of transition, burnout, or trauma, I am currently accepting new clients for in-person sessions in Fredericton and secure virtual sessions across New Brunswick.
[ Book Your Free 15-Minute Discovery Call Here ]
(Clinical Disclaimer: The contents of "The Clearing" blog are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute formal medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this blog does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 9-8-8, dial 911, or proceed to your nearest emergency department.)