Living in the Philippines means we don’t experience the traditional four seasons like other parts of the world, but the changes in weather here—from the blazing heat of the dry season to the cooler, more introspective rainy season—still impact our mood and routines.
I’ve always found it fascinating how much my mood, energy, and self-care routine shift with the changing weather.
You’d think that with just two seasons, there wouldn’t be much to adjust, but trust me, both seasons bring their own unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
For example, the dry season can make me feel overly energized but also zapped with motivation because of the sweltering heat. Meanwhile, the rainy season’s cosy, cool atmosphere can either feel like a welcome relief or leave me stuck in a bit of a gloomy slump.
Through the years, I’ve learned that adjusting my self-care routine to fit the mood of each season has been key to maintaining balance. And while we may not experience the traditional four seasons that other countries do, we can still tap into the symbolic meanings of spring, summer, autumn, and winter to enrich our lives.
In this article, I’ll share how you can tailor your self-care routine to suit the unique rhythm of our two seasons, as well as how you can draw inspiration from global seasons, even if we don’t experience them here.
Dry Season Self-Care: Embracing the Heat and High Energy
The dry season in the Philippines (typically from March to May) brings scorching days filled with intense sunlight, often leaving us feeling both energized and drained.
I mean, temperatures can soar above 35°C (95°F), making it feel even hotter due to the humidity.
While the longer days can be motivating, the heat can easily sap your energy if you’re not mindful of your self-care.
Cooling Physical Self-Care
During the dry season, your body is in desperate need of cooling and hydration.
I’ve learned to make hydration a top priority, starting my day with a big glass of water or a refreshing smoothie filled with hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumber.
Sunscreen also becomes my best friend during these months—applying it generously before I head out the door helps me protect my skin from the sun’s intense rays.
Outdoor exercise is still possible, but I’ve found that early morning jogs or late afternoon walks are the best times to enjoy the sun without overheating. And don’t underestimate the power of a midday cooling shower to refresh both your body and your mind!
Skincare and Beauty Routines
Skincare during the dry season can be tricky with the heat and humidity, so I stick to lightweight products that won’t clog my pores.
My go-to routine includes a refreshing toner, a hydrating (but light) moisturizer, and of course, SPF. For a little extra self-care, I love misting my face with cooling sprays throughout the day—especially during those particularly hot afternoons when the heat feels relentless.
Eating Light for Energy
Heavy meals can feel overwhelming in the heat, so I turn to lighter foods that keep me nourished without making me feel sluggish.
Summer in the Philippines brings a bounty of delicious, hydrating fruits that are perfect for this season. Mangoes, watermelon, pineapple, coconut, and papaya are all in season and packed with water and nutrients to help you stay refreshed and energized.
Incorporating these fruits into your diet—whether in smoothies, fruit salads, or as a refreshing snack—can keep you hydrated and feeling light throughout the day.
When the temperature rises, eating light helps me stay energized without feeling bogged down, and enjoying seasonal fruits is an easy and delicious way to keep your body fueled.
Social Self-Care and Fun
The dry season is perfect for outdoor adventures, whether it’s a beach day, an outdoor picnic, or an early morning hike.
Connecting with friends and loved ones outdoors (especially if you’re like me who’s working from home) gives you the chance to enjoy the best of what this season has to offer—sunshine, fresh air, and the beauty of nature.
Rainy Season Self-Care: Slowing Down and Finding Comfort
The rainy season, which usually lasts from June to November, brings cooler temperatures, gloomy skies, and, of course, lots of rain.
While the rain provides relief from the intense heat of the dry season, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One major challenge we face here in the Philippines is navigating through floods, even in metro areas, where streets can become waterlogged, disrupting daily routines.
On top of that, we have to brace for typhoon season, which brings heavy rains, strong winds, and potential power outages. Needless to say, it adds a whole new level of difficulty, especially if the week is just about to start and you’re already experiencing the Monday blues.
These elements can add stress to an already gloomy period, so it’s essential to focus on self-care that brings comfort and stability during these unpredictable months.
Cosy Physical Self-Care
With rain pouring down outside, I shift my self-care routine to embrace comfort and warmth.
Indoor workouts like yoga, Pilates, or simple stretches keep me active without the need to brave the rain. During this season, my skin also tends to need more moisture, so I indulge in hydrating body lotions and face masks to keep my skin feeling soft and nourished.
Comfort Foods and Warming Meals
When the rain is falling, nothing feels better than a warm bowl of sinigang or bulalo.
Hearty, warming foods bring comfort on rainy days and make me feel cosy from the inside out. And let’s not forget the joy of sipping on hot chocolate or champorado while watching the rain from your window—truly the perfect rainy day indulgence.
Mental Health and Mood Boosting
The rainy season can sometimes bring a bit of gloom, but creating a cosy indoor environment can really lift your spirits.
I make sure to brighten my space with warm lighting, candles, and soft blankets, making my home feel like a haven. I also use this season to focus on journaling, mindfulness, and reflection—activities that bring me peace when the weather outside is less than ideal.
Social and Creative Self-Care
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to stay indoors with friends and family.
Whether it’s hosting a movie night, enjoying a home-cooked dinner, or playing board games, these small gatherings bring warmth and connection even when the skies are grey. The rain also inspires my creative side—I find myself journaling more or trying my hand at new hobbies like painting or baking.
Global Seasons and Their Symbolism: Celebrating What We Don’t Experience
Even though we don’t experience the traditional four seasons here, we can still draw inspiration from their deeper meanings.
Each global season symbolizes something unique, and incorporating these themes into our lives allows us to align with the natural cycles of growth, reflection, and rest.
Spring: New Beginnings and Renewal
While we don’t experience spring, its energy of rebirth and renewal is something we can all embrace.
Use spring as an opportunity to try new things, set fresh goals, or engage in a personal “spring cleaning” of your living space. Decluttering or starting new habits can help mimic the sense of renewal that spring symbolizes.
Summer: High Energy and Abundance
Summer is all about energy, joy, and celebration.
Even if our “summer” aligns with the dry season, it’s a time to embrace outdoor adventures, social gatherings, and personal achievements. Use this time to celebrate what you’ve accomplished, spend time outdoors, and harness the vibrancy of summer’s energy.
Autumn: Reflection and Letting Go
Autumn’s symbolism of change and letting go is something we can practice year-round, even if we don’t see the leaves fall.
This is a perfect time to reflect on what you need to release, whether it’s old habits, relationships, or even physical clutter. Creating a cosy, warm environment with candles and blankets can help you reflect on the changes you want to make.
Winter: Rest, Reflection, and Restoration
Winter symbolises rest and introspection—a time to slow down and recharge.
Even though we don’t experience winter, we can use its energy to focus on deep rest and stillness. Whether it’s indulging in naps, practising quiet reflection, or taking a break from digital devices, winter teaches us the importance of restoration.
Conclusion: Embracing the Cycles of Self-Care
No matter where you live or what seasons you experience, self-care is all about honouring the natural cycles of life and adjusting your routine to suit your needs.
In the Philippines, our dry and rainy seasons bring their own unique challenges, but they also offer us opportunities to adjust, reflect, and grow.
By embracing the symbolism of the global seasons—whether it’s the renewal of spring, the energy of summer, the reflection of autumn, or the rest of winter—you can add depth and meaning to your self-care practices.
Remember, self-care isn’t just about doing what feels good in the moment; it’s about taking the time to understand what your body, mind, and spirit need as the seasons (and your mood) shift.
So whether you’re basking in the heat of the dry season or cosying up during a rainy day, remember to listen to yourself and adjust your routine accordingly. Self-care, much like the seasons, is always evolving—and so are you.
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