Seasonal Shifts and Sensitivity

How the changing seasons can be a challenge for highly sensitives

Over the last 2 weeks, I keep noticing that everything looks just... a little... bit... different. Something has shifted.

Earlier this week marked the first week of spring here in the northern hemisphere. More specifically, it was the vernal equinox, when day and night are equal in length. Because of the way the earth rotates, the sun is also in a drastically different position now than it was in the middle of winter. On December mornings the sun shines directly in our living room windows, almost at eye level. It never makes it as high up in the sky as it does in spring and summer. This may seem an obvious scientific point, but for an HSP it means the sun is now higher at that same hour and the light in our living room is noticeably different — even though the clock says it’s the same time of day.

In the United States, a week prior to the spring equinox we moved our clocks forward an hour. As a highly sensitive who notices subtleties in her environment, all of these changes make for a drastic shift in my environment. Everything truly looks and feels different. And, frankly, as someone who also struggles with anxiety, these shifts can make me feel anxious as I adjust to the new environment. (Whether I had anxiety or not, as a highly sensitive I would notice the shift.)

The Noon hour doesn't look quite right, because it's really only 11am to my brain. And with the sun in a different position than it was a month ago at the same hour...the two together take some time to get used to every year.

If you also feel just a bit off during equinoxes and solstices when these shifts feel most noticeable, you're not alone and you likely have the highly sensitive trait. Your non-HSP roommates, family, spouse, friends and co-workers may hardly notice these shifts in the environment, while you not only notice... you feel it. And, you might feel different, too.

So, what's an HSP to do? Here are 5 tips to better thrive during these transitional periods:

1. Acknowledge the shift. Just because the non-HSPs aren't phased doesn't mean what you're experiencing and noticing isn't real. Remember: We see more than others do.

2. Give yourself grace for feeling challenged by these shifts. There's nothing wrong with you!

3. If possible, especially here in the United States where we change our clocks, get extra rest! Go to bed early and leave the spring cleaning for a later date.

4. Stay grounded. Play music that is comforting and familiar, watch your favorite movie, sit outside and listen to the birds. Perhaps read a book, or play a video game. Whatever you find grounding and comforting, do more of that in this transitional period. These activities will anchor you.

5. Prioritize your routine and if you find the new season calls for changes to your routine; go slow.

Many of us, especially those who live in places where winter can be dreary and harsh, look forward to spring. It can feel wrong to be a little stressed out by the seasonal transition, yet remember this is completely normal for a highly sensitive. Transitions of any kind can be a challenge for us (even just the transition of getting out of bed and starting the day!). Two things can be true at once. We can look forward to the flowers, sunlight and warmth but also need a little time to adjust to the new environment.

It's important we also recognize that Spring can be overstimulating for highly sensitives. The outside world gets louder: lawn mowers, weed whackers, birds singing, neighbors grilling outside, and motorcycles on the road again. Spring and summer are loud! They're busy, too. Easter brunch, and graduations, and weddings, oh my! Before we know it, summer arrives and often with a lack of routine. Routine that is grounding to highly sensitives. Whether we love the heat of summer or loathe it ... the season we're entering can be a lot!

So, take your time, give yourself grace, and stay grounded as best you can.

We can embrace the cyclical nature of Creation while giving ourselves grace as we enter new seasons. God is not in a hurry, and we don't need to be either.

What about you? Do you find seasonal transitions challenging as a highly sensitive? What are some ways you stay grounded to combat the shifts in your environment?