The Power of Seasonal Cues: How the Changing Seasons can Unlock Memories and Emotions
As the seasons shift, so do we. Whether it’s the crisp smell of autumn leaves or sounds of Mountaineer Football, or the taste of buckwheat cakes the changing environment cues memories and emotions in ways we often overlook. It’s more than just a shift in weather; seasonal changes can evoke a flood of feelings, drawing us back into experiences from our past, both joyful and challenging. Memories are intricately tied to the sensory world around us—smells, sights, and sounds. And sometimes we need these sensory reminders to have access to those memories.
The Science Behind Sensory Memory
Our brains are wired to connect sensory information with experiences. Smell, in particular, has a unique ability to transport us back to specific moments from our past or to specific people. Our sense of smell is managed by the olfactory bulb, and it is directly linked to the brain’s limbic system, the region responsible for emotions and memory. This is why the smell of freshly baked cookies can remind you of childhood holidays, or why the scent of pine trees may conjure memories of winter celebrations.
These sensory cues act as time machines, allowing us to access memories stored deep within us. They serve as powerful reminders of where we’ve been and what we’ve experienced—sometimes stirring nostalgia, and other times bringing up more difficult emotions.
Environmental Triggers: More Than Just Weather
While the weather certainly influences our mood, there’s more at play when seasons change. Our brains have been conditioned to associate certain environmental factors with specific experiences. For example:
The sight of twinkling lights during the holiday season might remind you of family gatherings, both joyful and tense.
The chilly morning air and fog of West Virginia fall mornings may make you think of football season and being outside or deeply miss your grandma because this was her favorite weather.
The days getting shorter may cue the comfort of cozy sweaters, fires and pumpkin-spice scent or bring up feelings of dread because of how bad your Seasonal Affective Disorder was last year.
These cues are often subtle, but they tap into our stored emotional experiences in powerful ways. This connection between environment and emotion is why it’s normal to feel shifts in mood or energy as the seasons progress.
The key is recognizing that these emotional shifts are natural responses to the sensory world. Our environment is in constant dialogue with our internal world, offering us opportunities to reflect, process, and grow from the memories that resurface.
Embracing the Emotional Shifts - Pause to Just Notice
As we move through the year, it’s important to give yourself permission to feel these emotional shifts. You might feel bursts of excitement, energy, or calm as the environment changes, or you may feel periods of introspection, sadness, or anxiety. These emotions are all valid and serve as a reminder of the complexity of human experience.
Rather than resist these memories and feelings, embrace them as part of your ongoing story. Work to honor what your body and brain are showing you. By being mindful of how seasonal cues impact you, you can use the information to better understand yourself and what you may need to heal or rest or grow. It’s okay that your past continues to shape your present. It’s what makes you the unique and amazing person you are.
Using Sensory Cues to Heal and Grow
Just as sensory information in our environment can stir old emotions, it can also help us heal and create new, positive associations. By intentionally surrounding yourself with sensory experiences that bring joy, peace, or comfort, you can reshape your emotional responses to certain times of year and change your brain.
For example:
Incorporate smells or sounds that relax you, such as lighting a favorite candle or playing music that uplifts your mood.
Engage with the season by creating new traditions that feel empowering or nurturing, such as walks in nature, journaling, or celebrating the things you’ve accomplished that year.
By being intentional about how you engage with the seasonal shifts, you can take control of the emotional cues that arise and use them as tools for self-awareness and growth.
Conclusion
The changing seasons are a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. As the environment shifts, so does how we relate to our memories, emotions, and energy. Exploring how these cues from the world around us impact our internal experience can help us better navigate the highs and lows of the year. Whether they stir joy or unease, these sensory moments offer opportunities for reflection and healing, allowing us to continue evolving with each passing season.
