Ancient wisdom in every season: embracing nature's cycles

The world of modern wellness will have you believe you need to complete a tick list of tasks and stick to a rigid routine or protocol to feel ‘optimal’. Push harder, stay disciplined, complete your daily checklist regardless, and —wellness completed, right? 

And whilst there is a lot to be said about consistency over constant hacks, what if there’s also a more intuitive rhythm we’re meant to follow?

Perhaps you feel the pull for a gentler morning as winter sets in, yet you’re jolted awake by the 5 a.m. alarm to throw yourself into that cold shower because “it’s good for you.” Or maybe you feel the energy for a challenging workout on an “off” day because your body really needs it. Perhaps you dread a change in season and carry on living as though it’s summer all year long. What if wellness isn’t about doing the same thing day in and day out, but rather about tuning into the ebb and flow of life, adapting to the cycles around us, and listening to the seasons of our bodies?

Our ancestors knew the rhythm of life was something they needed to adapt to, in fact they celebrated and marked the change of each season; it was a grounding force. They lived by honouring the cycles of nature which create the foundation for all thriving life on our planet, intuitively adjusting their diets, rituals, and daily habits to flow with the energy each season brings - because they had to. They couldn't continue as if it is daytime in brightly lit houses, regardless of the sun setting. They didn’t have the same foods on offer all year round, regardless of the harvest or season. In today’s world of convenience, indoor living and fast pace, it’s become all too easy to forget that our biology has been designed to flow and adapt with nature and her seasons. 

By reconnecting with ancient practices, we can break free from a machine-like “same every day” mindset and find a deep sense of belonging. Tuning into the seasons reawakens a timeless wisdom encoded within us, helping us thrive through each cycle and reminding us that we are, fundamentally, woven into the fabric of nature.

Ancient medicinal practices across the globe such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also suggest that true well-being lies in embracing the natural cycles that guide us. These changes don’t require a huge adaptation to our daily lives, but small subtle shifts which make a big difference. In fact, they're so easy because your body already inherently knows about them - imprinted on our DNA from our histories. Let’s explore how to invite in these gentle adjustments, tuning into nature’s rhythm—and nourishing ourselves accordingly— to enhance our wellness journey all year round. To align with the seasons rather than resist them. 

Spring: The Season of Renewal
Spring’s arrival signals new beginnings, a time when plants bud, animals immerse from hibernation, and our own bodies start to awaken from winter’s rest. Whilst our modern wellness calendar will signal January 1st as the ‘perfect time to kick start your health’, ancient wisdom tells us to instead take our reset on spring's arrival. Reflected in the appearance of new green shoots, this season’s energy is about renewal and detoxification, specifically supporting our liver in releasing toxins that may have accumulated during winter’s stillness and celebrations.

 

NUTRITION - Looking at practices of Ayurveda and TCM, spring is time for a clean up. We’re not talking about detox teas and extreme diets here - when we look at what nature offers us during this season it points to supporting our natural detoxification systems; our liver, gallbladder and gut. 

It’s no coincidence that nature starts to provide the nutrients needed to support these organs. Green, bitter plants that emerge in spring, such as cleavers, nettles, dandelions, and wild garlic, contain key compounds that naturally support the liver’s detoxification processes. These plants are rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants, and specific bioactive compounds that stimulate liver function and bile production, helping the body process and eliminate toxins. Add a handful of dark green leafy greens (spinach, rocket, wild garlic) to your lunch and evening meal to help support our natural detox systems, as well as boosting your b-vitamins which are essential for energy production in the spring months 

INTENTION -  As spring returns, it’s a perfect time to gently awaken the body and revitalise your natural detox pathways. Begin moving your body more, whether through daily walks, gentle stretching, easing your way up to more intense workouts to support circulation and lymphatic flow. Sweaty workouts also help to release toxins. Adding small but impactful rituals like dry body brushing before a shower helps stimulate lymphatic drainage, while alternating hot and cold water can boost circulation and immune response. A morning drink of warm water with a bitter addition of lemon, apple cider vinegar, or ginger can kick start digestion and support liver function. 

ADDITION Matcha + Collagen is the perfect partner to this rejuvenating spring energy. Chlorophyll rich matcha is packed with antioxidants and provides a gentle, steady lift where added lion's mane mushroom supports a boost in focus, helping us emerge into spring clear-headed and energised. Moringa joins this blend, as a powerful antioxidant and a history of liver-protective benefits. Combined with collagen peptides, this delicious drink supports skin’s elasticity and resilience, essential as we transition into a period of growth and renewal.

Summer: The Peak of Abundant Energy 

Summer is high-energy, vibrant, and focused outward. It’s a time for executing plans, cultivating joy, building connections, letting loose and soaking up the sun’s vitality. Traditional practices associate this season with the heart, encouraging us to stay open and connected to those around us as well as look after our circulatory health.

NUTRITION - During the hotter months, our nutrient needs shift subtly. As temperatures rise, we naturally gravitate toward lighter foods, which the body finds easier to digest while it focuses on regulating our internal temperature. This shift occurs because the body conserves energy by reducing heat-generating processes, such as digestion.

Some seasonal foods are naturally rich in protective compounds that help shield the skin from sun damage. Lycopene, for example - a powerful antioxidant found in summer staples like tomatoes and watermelon - supports skin resilience against UV exposure. Vitamin C-rich foods, including berries, peppers, and oranges, further protect against oxidative stress while promoting collagen production and aiding in skin repair.

INTENTION - With warmer weather comes natural sweating, an important way the body releases toxins. Embrace this season’s vitality by trying new physical challenges that push your limits. Connect with others and awaken your primal energy through festivals, sundowners, and late-night conversations around the fire. While summer energy is vibrant and high, maintaining balance is essential. Ground yourself with calming practices like meditation, breathwork, and evening walks to harmonise the season's intense ‘Yang’ energy.

ADDITION - Staying hydrated and cooling the body is vital during the hot months. Drinking plenty of water, cool herbal teas and eating food with high water content is key. Adding True Hydration to your water provides the minerals our cells need to hydrate and thrive in warm weather, helping keep energy levels stable and supporting skin health from the inside out. For an added boost, pairing True Hydration with our Wild Collagen supports glowing, resilient skin, nourishing your body throughout this high-energy season.

Autumn: Reflection and Harvest

As the days begin to shorten and the vibrancy of summer shifts to the cosy cocoon of autumn, we find ourselves at a threshold. Autumn invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare for winter. In Ayurveda, autumn is recognized as the season of Vata, a time that encourages us to establish routines and embrace consistency. It is a beautiful opportunity to embrace new self care rituals, nourish our bodies and reinforce immune health, allowing us to prepare for the changes ahead while fostering a sense of stability and comfort. 

​​In TCM, autumn is closely linked to the lungs and large intestine—organs that face challenges as winter approaches. These organs play a vital role in our immune system, making their health crucial during this transition. TCM also associates the lungs with the emotion of grief, reflecting the natural cycle of letting go, much like the leaves that fall from the trees. As we transition into the quieter, more introspective months, we have an opportunity to embrace the inherent melancholy of the season. This is a time to honour what has passed while preparing for the renewal that winter promises.

NUTRITION - As the weather cools, our bodies naturally crave warmth and nourishment, making soups, stews and curries an ideal choice for this season. Slow cooked foods are gentle on digestion, allowing your body to absorb nutrients more effectively without taxing the digestive system. Additionally, the high water content in soups helps keep us hydrated, essential for maintaining healthy digestion and vibrant energy levels.

Seasonal produce, particularly orange-toned vegetables like pumpkins, squash, and carrots, are rich in beta carotene—a plant-based precursor to vitamin A that is vital for a healthy immune response. Pungent herbs such as ginger and garlic offer powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, providing an extra layer of protection against seasonal illnesses. Additionally, thyme is beneficial for lung health and alleviating coughs, thanks to its mucus-clearing properties. Be sure to incorporate plenty of fiber and prebiotics, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria, along with protein and collagen to support gut health, essential for maintaining a robust immune system.

INTENTION - Begin to embrace the quiet beauty of darker mornings and create a new cosy morning ritual. Make time before work to read under the slow glow of a bedside light and enjoy your morning brew. Let this time be your chance to pause, reflect, and be fully present before the sun rises and the day starts to unfold. Practise the act of noticing, taking in the changing colours and shifting landscapes as you take walks in nature. 

ADDITION - As you bustle through the door after a walk in the woods, kicking off the mud from your boots and peeling off the layers of clothes, wrapping your hands around a warm mug of cacao brings a wave of cosy comfort - inviting you to relish in the simple joys of autumn. Our Cacao+Collagen blend with added ashwagandha resonates deeply with autumn’s grounding energy. Cacao contains mood-boosting compounds, which can help lift spirits in the colder months. With antioxidant-rich botanicals, this warming drink also supports skin health, helping you face winter with strength and warmth.

Winter: Rest and Replenishment

As the world outside slows down and the nights stretch long, winter invites us to embrace a quieter rhythm—a time for deep reflection and nourishment. In TCM, this season is aligned with the water element and the kidneys, urging us to conserve energy and cultivate resilience. Just as seeds lie dormant, preparing for their eventual bloom, we can also begin to plant the seeds of wellbeing for the spring ahead. In Ayurveda, winter is associated with the Kapha dosha, emphasising grounding and nourishing practices that bring balance to our bodies.

NUTRITION: As temperatures drop, our bodies naturally crave warmth and sustenance. Turn to hearty foods and spiced dishes that not only fend off the chill but also support digestion and vitality. TCM advocates for warming foods—think root vegetables, broths, and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon—to enhance kidney health and keep us cosy. Remember, hydration remains essential; indoor heating can lead to dehydration, so opt for soothing warm drinks and nutrient-rich soups to stay balanced.

INTENTION: Maintaining wellness practices during winter can feel challenging, but establishing a routine during this season provides much-needed stability amidst the darkness. As you navigate the busyness of the festive season, commit to incorporating small daily rituals into your life. Savour the warmth of soothing baths infused with essential oils like cinnamon, clove, and cedarwood. Following this with Abhyanga—self-massage with warm oil—nurtures your skin and calms your spirit, fostering a deep sense of connection to your body.

In many cultures used to the cold, sauna is a deeply embedded ritual of warmth and connection. Not only does the heat enhance circulation, support immunity, and stimulate the production of heat shock proteins, promoting cellular repair -  this shared experience fosters a sense of camaraderie, countering winter’s isolation to nurture both body and spirit. Research shows that communal sauna use can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and enhance overall well-being through the release of endorphins.

ADDITION: Replenish lost electrolytes after your sauna session with True Hydration, which also offers much-needed support following fun festive gatherings. As winter descends and the days grow shorter, our bodies naturally crave more sleep, echoing the rhythms of nature and wildlife. Just as many animals enter a state of hibernation to conserve energy during the colder months, we too can benefit from prioritising rest. Support a deep night’s sleep with True Nightcap, and enhance your sleep routine with True Magnesium+ and True Ashwagandha—powerful allies for this season of stillness.