Navigating Seasonal Transitions with Mapleton Craniosacral Therapy
Have you noticed feeling off or overwhelmed as the seasons change? How do you manage transitions?
At Mapleton Craniosacral Therapy, we observe that many clients experience heightened tension in their nervous systems as the calm of summer gives way to the busyness of fall. With families juggling back-to-school activities and the shifts in nature, like shorter daylight hours, it's no wonder our bodies and emotions are affected.
Understanding the Shift:
Alignment of Rhythms: Nature’s rhythms and your body’s rhythms need to align. Summer invites longer days and flexibility, while fall encourages grounding routines, earlier bedtimes, and steady meals. When the world changes, our nervous systems take notice.
Adaptable Balance: The nervous system thrives on predictability but also benefits from a balance that allows for adaptation. Transitions are not just to be endured; they are opportunities for recalibration.
How Fall and Changes in Routine Affect the Nervous System:
Sympathetic Arousal and Stress: While vacation mode feels relaxing, returning to school and busier days can trigger a fight-or-flight response. Kids may experience irritability, stomachaches, headaches, or trouble sleeping, while adults might feel tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, along with racing thoughts.
Sleep and Circadian Shifts: Adjusting to earlier wake times and new routines can disrupt sleep, impacting mood, concentration, digestion, and immunity.
Digestion and Immune Response: Changes in routines and increasing stress can affect digestion and compromise immune function. A balanced nervous system encourages smoother digestion and a more resilient immune response.
Emotional Processing: Transitions bring new responsibilities, emotions, and social dynamics. A balanced nervous system aids in emotional regulation and coping.
Why Routine Matters:
Support for the Parasympathetic System: Consistent daily habits help the body recover from daily stress by supporting the “rest and digest” system.
Creating a Reliable Structure: Regular meals, steady sleep, mindful screen time, movement, and rest provide a supportive environment for the nervous system to settle.
Gentle Routines: Establishing gentle routines isn't about rigidity; it’s about providing a stable rhythm for the body to relax into.
How Craniosacral Therapy Can Help:
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive manual approach that helps to rebalance the nervous system. Here are a few ways CST can assist during seasonal and routine changes:
Calming the Nervous System: CST encourages a balanced state between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.
Supporting Sleep and Relaxation: Releasing held tension can facilitate restful sleep and improve daytime mood.
Enhancing Digestion and Immune Function: A balanced nervous system promotes better digestion and stronger immune responses.
Child-Friendly Approach: CST uses a light touch and calming presence, which can ease children’s stress during transitions like starting school.
Ways to Support Your Nervous System:
Breathing Techniques: Inhale through your nose for 3-4 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 6-8 seconds. Practice this for 5-10 breaths a few times a day, especially during transitions.
Grounding Techniques: Stand with your feet planted, feel the connection with the ground, and identify three things you can see, three you can hear, and three you can feel.
Mindful Transitions: Create “buffer times” between activities. For example, take 5-10 minutes after a long day at work to decompress in your car before heading home. For kids, allow 20 minutes to play, move, or relax before starting homework to help reset their nervous systems.
As summer fades and fall begins, Mapleton Craniosacral Therapy is here to help you embrace this transition with ease. A session can lay the foundation for a calmer nervous system, improved sleep, smoother digestion, and enhanced resilience as children return to school and days settle into a new rhythm.
How to Get Started:
Booking: Click on the link to schedule an appointment with Mapleton Craniosacral Therapy.
Consultation: We offer a 15-minute free consultation. Just email: fosterphysicaltherapy@gmail.com to arrange one.
Supporting your nervous system can make a significant difference during this transitional time. If you’d like to explore how Craniosacral Therapy can aid your journey into fall with greater balance and resilience, we’re here to help. Visit Mapleton Craniosacral Therapy to learn more and book your next session.
Discover more ways to regain your inner calm with this easy-to-use downloadable workbook.
