Seasonal Changes and the Human Psyche

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06/13/23 • 21 min

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of seasonal changes on the human psyche and discuss strategies to alleviate the effects on mood and promote well-being. We begin by understanding how seasonal variations influence our biological clock, hormonal balance, and neurotransmitter activity, directly affecting our mood. The reduction in daylight hours during winter disrupts the natural production of serotonin, leading to feelings of lethargy, sadness, and a decrease in overall well-being.

We also explore how changes in daily routines and activities, such as limited outdoor time and colder temperatures, can contribute to a sense of isolation and exacerbate mood changes. Steve shares a personal experience of going through a "funk" that he attributes to the weather and changing seasons, highlighting the phenomenon of June gloom in Southern California. We learn how the tilt of the Earth and its movement around the sun bring about the seasons, and the Steve reflects on an episode from a documentary series that highlights the impact of seasons on various species.

Delving deeper into the effects of seasonal changes on humans, we discover that there is evidence for seasonal variations in physiological functions and even complex behaviors. The episode touches on circadian and infradian rhythms regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, as well as the Belgian study that found changes in brain activity and cognitive performance across seasons.

The discussion turns to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Major Depressive Disorder, which affects millions of adults. We explore various ways to combat the mood changes associated with seasonal transitions, including light therapy, outdoor exposure, exercise, mindfulness, self-care practices, learning new skills, and seeking support from professionals when necessary.

Steve shares insights from a personal course he is undertaking on Jose Silva's teachings, emphasizing the power of gratitude journaling and focusing on the magic witnessed each day. The episode concludes with a quote from Gandhi, encouraging lifelong learning and living each day to the fullest.

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:
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Email: [email protected]

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:
Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj
To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]

Previous Episode

Psychotherapist Monica Haughey: Engaging Our Creativity to Live Our Best Life

In this week's episode, Steve spends some time with Monica Haughey, a Transformational Coach and Psychotherapist, to explore the topic of creativity and its transformative power in our lives.

The conversation begins with the question, "What is a creative entrepreneur?" Monica shares her insights into the concept of creative entrepreneurship and sheds light on the unique qualities and mindset of individuals who combine creativity with entrepreneurial endeavors. She explains how creative entrepreneurs bring innovative ideas to life, often in the form of businesses or projects that disrupt traditional norms and offer new solutions to problems.

Building upon this understanding, the discussion evolves to address the question, "Can anyone become more creative?" Monica emphasizes that everyone has the capacity to nurture and develop their creative abilities. She encourages listeners to tap into their innate creativity and embrace the possibilities it brings.

As the conversation progresses, Monica highlights why this is a crucial time for more of us to engage our creativity. In a rapidly changing world, she explains how creativity can help us adapt, innovate, and find unique solutions to challenges. She discusses the importance of creative thinking in all areas of life, including personal growth, professional pursuits, and societal change.

Monica and Steve also explore the significance of community when venturing into creative entrepreneurship. They discuss the power of collaboration, support networks, and finding like-minded individuals who can inspire and motivate us on our creative journeys. They highlight the role of community in fostering growth, sharing resources, and amplifying our impact.

Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion on finding creativity in the small things. Monica explores how mindful awareness and a shift in perspective can unlock creative potential in everyday activities. She encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, explore new interests, and find beauty and inspiration in the ordinary.

Overall, this episode with Monica Haughey offers a rich exploration of creativity, creative entrepreneurship, and their transformative potential. Listeners will gain valuable insights on embracing their own creative power, navigating challenges with courage, and finding beauty and innovation in all aspects of their lives.

Monica's passion as a highly experienced psychotherapist and coach is to assist individuals and groups in seeing possibilities and thinking beyond their current horizons. She is also a serial entrepreneur, Founder of the School of Conscious Living, Conscious Living and Working Conference and Good Food Initiative, among other ventures.

Since launching her Creative Entrepreneurship group learning programs in Dublin in 2022, Monica is asked to comment and speak in national media on the topics of creativity and entrepreneurship. In October 2022, Monica was featured in The Irish Times, Joanne Hunt's 'How To' column on how to be creative and as a result was referenced on national radio.

Recently, Monica has spoken at the National Psychotherapy conference, hosted her own Conscious Living podcast during the lockdown, and appeared on Carole's Lady time and Back to Work connect programs.

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:
Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj
To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]

Next Episode

The Power of Mindset: Vash Tomanec’s Journey from Uber Eats Driver to 7 Figures

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Vash Tomanec, who went from being an Uber Eats driver to achieving 7-figure success. Vash, the founder of Mindtrepreneur, shares his experiences and insights on mastering mindset for entrepreneurial success.

Vash Tomanec embarked on his transformational journey with Mindtrepreneur, a venture aimed at helping 1 million entrepreneurs achieve fulfillment and joy in their lives by mastering their mindset. He reveals that just three years ago, he was delivering food on his bike for Uber Eats, and now he is on a mission to empower others to achieve their dreams.

During the episode, Vash opens up about his childhood and the challenges he faced along the way. He also highlights a pivotal moment in his life, a 7-day meditation retreat in complete darkness, which profoundly impacted his mindset.

Vash talks about his extensive meditation practice, having completed an astonishing 5,000 meditation sessions. He explains the benefits of meditation and how it has contributed to his personal growth and success.

Vash also explores the topic of breathwork and how he discovered its transformative power. As a somatic breathwork practitioner, he shares the impact breathwork has had on his life and how it can positively influence others.

Vash also unveils his 4-step framework for achieving any goal, which he used to build three 7-figure companies within just two years, all before turning 26. The framework emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, understanding your why, creating a plan of action, and aligning your identity with your goal

Vash Tomanec is a 25-year-old serial entrepreneur who has built three successful seven-figure businesses. With his latest venture, Mindtrepreneur, Vash is on a mission to help 1 million entrepreneurs transform their business and live more fulfilled and joyous life by mastering their mindset. He does it through 1-1 and group coaching, various online programs, in-person masterminds hosted 4x per year.

Vash is known for his inspiring, present, loving, and driven nature. He is obsessed with helping people level up and live their most fulfilling lives, and he loves mastering subjects rather than just dabbling in them. His frameworks and principles have helped over 1,000 people from 60+ countries. He is skilled at using the power of the subconscious mind to achieve his goals faster and live a better, more fulfilled life.

In addition to his dedication to personal growth and helping others, Vash is also passionate about biohacking and finding ways to stay productive and disciplined. He spends a lot of time researching and experimenting with different techniques and strategies to optimize his health and performance.

Vash’s passion for meditation, personal growth, and the science of happiness has also led him to share the stage with renowned expert Dr. Joe Dispenza in 2022.
To stay in touch with Vash:
https://mindtrepreneur.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vash_tomanec/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaclav-tomanec/

To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:
Website:
https://www.betterplaceproject.org/

Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj
To follow Steve on Instagram
@SteveNorrisOfficial
Facebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcast
Twitter: @BetterPlaceProj
Email: [email protected]