Returning to Wellbeing this Spring - Emma Coonan

As the longer April evenings continue to unfold, and the May bank holiday is only around the corner, it is safe to say that Spring has officially arrived. Wild hyacinths and tulips can be seen in almost every hedgerow, and new additions are arriving in farms all over the country, as birthing season continues.

Despite these familiar sights and sounds of the season all around us, there is one routine which has for many been late to occur this year. Farm animals have had a longer stay than usual in their shelters and sheds this season, while farmers have been waiting patiently for sunnier weather to arrive.

Having had the privilege recently to see a small herd of cows leaving their shed for the first time this season, I was struck by how excited they were to return to something so seemingly simple, yet so vital for their wellbeing. It occurred to me that when we return to what’s good for us, no matter how simple it may seem, it too can do wonders for our wellbeing.

The Turn of the Season
We each experience a ‘turn of the season’ at different points in the year, usually tied to familiar events and routines. Many of us wait eagerly each year for the clocks to spring forward, so that we can enjoy the longer evenings, the extra light, and the spirit of rejuvenation that these routines provide.

Whatever your season is, the ‘turn’ will represent something unique for you, and is often felt in the body. When the changes that our bodies and minds are used to take longer than expected to arrive, it can create a sense of unease or frustration for us.

We can forget how much our bodies are attuned to this turn, and the events that come with it.
Animals too look forward to the turn of the season, and the chance to enjoy the warmer weather, green grass, and longer evenings to graze. Many animals will have spent the winter months in protective sheds and shelters, a not unfamiliar routine in winter months. However, like us, they have been waiting patiently for the weather to improve.

Mind the Gap
For those of you who have ever been in the London underground, you will be familiar with frequent reminders to ‘Mind the Gap’ between the train and the platform. The gap between seasons can feel just as large, as many of us can dread the wait between winter and spring.

If this gap between where we are now and where we want to be is too long, we might find that our wellbeing takes a toll. This can feel particularly true at this time of year, because we have come to expect and rely on certain seasonal routines to guide our way. Like the cows in their sheds waiting to return to the green fields, we too can feel trapped indoors, longing for freedom.

It is important to recognise these gaps in our wellbeing routines if they arise, so that we can better understand where feelings of frustration or anxiety might be coming from. At least then, even if the gap cannot be resolved straight away, we have a little more awareness as to what may be going on for us.

Re-turning to wellbeing
As I had the pleasure recently to watch this small herd of cows leave their shed for the first time this season, I was quite overcome to see how visibly excited they were to run in the open fields again. Their happiness and glee was palpable, as they ate the green grass as if for the first time, glanced at each other to register a shared excitement, before galloping together into the open space.

It reminded me that although there are routines associated with the turn of the season that we might take for granted, it is sometimes only through experiencing a re-turn after a gap that we are reminded how important they are for our wellbeing.
Our routines may look a little different to those of the animals, however may be just as important. Perhaps gardening has been slow to take off in the wet weather, or maybe it is time for that daily evening walk, now that the spring skies have cleared. This week, why not take some time to consider your seasonal routines, and if there has been a gap that it is time to mind.

A final thought
Spring routines are familiar to all of us, be it gardening, walking, or running in the fields and tasting the green grass of Spring again. It is often only when there is a gap that we notice the absence. Whatever your wellbeing routine is, mind the gap this week, and enjoy your return to wellbeing.

Emma Coonan is an Accredited Psychotherapist with IAHIP and ICP, Lectures in Psychotherapy, and is a qualified Adult Education Trainer. After leaving Coláiste Phobal Roscrea, Emma studied English and Media in Maynooth University, before combining her Psychotherapy training with experience in the corporate world. Emma focuses on applying Psychotherapy practices for everyday living, through developing resilience, stress response, and mindfulness practice.