When Seasons Shift: Why Our Bodies Feel It—and How to Stay Ahead

Seasons change. Weather shifts. Yet many of us don’t just notice the colors or the temperature—we also feel something in our bodies: fatigue, sniffles, aches, or mood swings. These aren’t coincidences. Our bodies have deep biological responses to environmental transitions, and understanding them gives us power to stay resilient.

Let’s unpack what happens under the surface—and how you can ride the seasonal wave with strength.

What Happens Biologically When Seasons & Weather Change

1. Immune System & Seasonal Variation

• Researchers have identified seasonal gene expression—over 4,000 genes in immune cells change their activity depending on the season.

• Immune parameters vary by season and even by time of day, independent of many other factors, showing that our defenses are not static but shifting.

• In colder weather, nasal tissues cool, which impairs local immune defense: a drop of ~5 °C in nasal mucosa can cut immune effectiveness by almost half.

• In hot weather, high temperatures stress the immune system—some studies link heat with inflammation markers rising and immune cell shifts.

2. Barrier Function, Mucus Membranes & Dryness

• Drier air (low humidity) during season changes can dry out mucus membranes, making it easier for viruses to invade.

• Temperature swings stress epithelial barriers (skin, lungs, gut), which can reduce their protective function.

3. Hormones, Temperature Regulation & Life Phases

• During menopause, women often experience hot flashes—transient increases in core body temperature tied to shifting hormonal levels. These changes link closely with immune and temperature regulation.

• Men have more gradual hormonal shifts, so dramatic temperature dysregulation is less common—but those on hormone treatments or with endocrine imbalances may see similar patterns.

• Seasonal hormone fluctuations (e.g. melatonin, cortisol) also play a role in how our bodies respond to seasonal change.

4. Behavioral & Environmental Effects

• When it gets colder or more variable, we stay indoors more. That increases contact with pathogens, decreases fresh air, and often reduces movement and sun exposure.

• Less daylight means lower vitamin D production, which is crucial for immune function.

Why We Become More Susceptible to Illness

When seasons shift:

• Our immune defenses may temporarily dip.

• Mucus membranes become drier and more permeable.

• Pathogens survive or spread more easily in cooler, drier air.

• Our internal resources are partially diverted to maintaining temperature balance (i.e., regulating core temperature), leaving less capacity for immune response.

• Hormonal shifts, especially in life transitions, can intensify all of this.

Together, these create a “window of vulnerability” during seasonal transitions. But, with awareness and support, it doesn’t have to mean “inevitable illness.”

Proactive Support with Symphony of the Cells + Seasonal Protocols

In the Symphony of the Cells (SOC) framework by Boyd Truman, certain protocols align beautifully with supporting your body during seasonal transitions. While any individual’s protocol should be tailored, here are two suggested SOC protocols for seasonal resilience:

1. Lymphatic / Detox Support Protocol

As barriers strain and toxins move more easily during shifts, supporting lymph flow is key. Use SOC lymphatic application (along spine, feet, nodes) to help your body clear cellular debris, maintain fluid balance, and support immune readiness.

2. Immune-Strengthening / Respiratory Support Protocol

Because mucous membranes and respiratory passages are under stress, a protocol targeting the respiratory/immune system can help. Applying essential oils oriented toward respiratory pathways (neck, chest, spine) in SOC format gives gentle, integrated support when the weather is changing.

Practical Tips to Ride the Seasonal Shift Stronger

• Stay hydrated and maintain healthy electrolytes to support all systems.

• Support barrier health: humidify indoor air, use moisturizing protocols, and nourish from within.

• Get sunlight when possible (for vitamin D).

• Prioritize rest and stress management during transition periods.

• Layer your clothing to avoid abrupt temperature stress.

• Use SOC protocols daily during transitional weeks for an “insurance plan” of wellness.

Closing Thought

Seasons shift, skies change, air fluctuates—and so do we. But these shifts don’t have to throw us off balance. Through awareness, gentle care, and aligned support (like SOC protocols), we can move through the transitions with resilience rather than resistance.