Wellbeing during the summer months

In Noongar culture, Bunuru marks the ‘second summer’, a time often described as the season of adolescence. This season represents heat, vitality and resilience. The sun’s intensity fuels the land’s capacity to live, grow and adapt. In this way, Bunuru becomes a reminder of the strength found in flexibility and the wisdom of responding to our environment rather than resisting it.

Bunuru invites us to acknowledge warmth, both externally and within ourselves. Dr. Kristin Neff describes self-compassion as offering yourself the same kindness you would extend to others. People can sometimes forget that compassion is a practice, not a personality trait. This season encourages us to soften into that practice: to pause, notice our limits and respond with care rather than criticism.

Just as the Country adapts to the heat, we too can honour our own rhythms. This is a time to slow down, replenish energy and seek connection in ways that feel nourishing to our body and mind. Rest during Bunuru means embracing cooling environments, accepting that sleep may shift and protecting your energy with intention.

Research highlights simple and powerful practices to support wellbeing during periods of heat and environmental intensity:

• Stay hydrated and well-nourished
  Drink enough water and eat nutritious food can help reduce fatigue, support cognitive function, maintain joint health, strengthen the immune system and improve mood.
• Seek out the breeze and rest when needed
  Connection with nature is vital for emotional, psychological and physical health. Time outdoors can generate calmness, bring joy, creativity and improved concentration.
• Practise activities that bring joy
  Engaging in activities such as creative hobbies, spending time with loved ones and pets, playing music and practising mindfulness can boost levels of ‘happy hormones’ such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins.
• Connect with natural rhythms
  Rhythm shapes the flow of life around us and within us. When we tune into rhythm rather than fight it, we move with greater clarity, energy and peace of mind.

Your body operates on countless rhythms that guide your wellbeing:

• Your heart beats in patterns that adapt to activity and emotion.
• Your breath flows in waves that can calm or energise you.
• Your circadian rhythm regulates sleep, wakefulness and hormone levels.
• Even your digestive and immune systems follow cyclical patterns.

Incorporating mindfulness activities such as meditation, tapping, art therapy and breathwork can help regulate our body’s natural rhythms, calming the nervous system  which promotes resilience and wellbeing.

Recognising and respecting these rhythms helps you respond to your needs with greater awareness and compassion.