Beware Of Seasonal Traps

Seasonal Traps

The shift from summer to fall is beautiful in many ways, but it can also be deceptively draining. The end of summer vacations, less time with friends and family, shorter days, diminishing sunlight (and vitamin D), the start of the school year, the return of colder weather, and the looming weight of major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas; all arrive at once. Add to that the closing of another calendar year, and suddenly, what once felt abundant and energizing begins to feel heavier.

This is where our Tool of Self Awareness becomes essential. These seasonal transitions often create a dip in our Baseline, the place where we feel stable, capable, and “ourselves.” Over the summer, we may experience a spike in baseline: more social interaction, longer days to do what we enjoy, extra doses of vitamin D, and a lighter, freer rhythm of living. This is a good thing. But the trap comes when our Old Mental Muscle and our Passengers whisper a false sense of sustainability. They want us to believe that because things have been going well, they will continue to run smoothly without effort.

The truth? Sustainability doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by choice.

The Seasonal Trap

We can’t stop the days from getting shorter. We can’t force the sun to shine brighter or the temperatures to stay warm. But we can ask ourselves:

• What was I doing with those long days that brought me joy, connection, or energy?

• How can I adapt those experiences into shorter, colder days?

  
  

If the spike in baseline came from summer barbecues, evening walks, or spontaneous get-togethers, the challenge now is finding new ways to keep that spirit alive. Could it be hosting a monthly game night? How about scheduling a weekly dinner with close friends? What if we set aside time for movement, even if indoors? Obligatory holidays don’t count, this is about creating meaningful experiences you choose, not those placed upon you.

Planning Ahead with New Mental Muscle

The time to prepare is now, not when the seasonal dip has already taken hold. Use your Tool of Self Awareness to name what lifts your energy, what drains it, and what is at risk of fading as the seasons change. Then, begin laying down New Mental Muscle: intentional habits, routines, and boundaries that reinforce sustainability.

• If sunlight has been your fuel, consider light therapy or adjusting your morning routine to maximize natural light.

• If social events feed your spirit, put intentional time with cherished people on the calendar before the months get busy.

• If unstructured summer time frees your mind, create “protected time” in your week for rest or creativity.

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Exposing the Tricks of Old Mental Muscle

Your Old Mental Muscle will try to convince you: “You’ll be fine, no need to prepare.” Or “You’ve always gotten through before, just ride it out.” But remember: surviving isn’t the same as thriving. We don’t want to restart the cycle of seasonal struggle.

This fall and winter, your growth depends on the choices you make today. With awareness, intention, and New Mental Muscle, you can hold onto the best of your summer baseline and carry it forward into the darker months.

Because sustainability isn’t about controlling the seasons—it’s about choosing how you’ll show up through them.

Chris Lauzon, LICSW

Mental Health Therapist

Boston, Massachusetts