Spring forward! How to make the most of the season
Happy spring equinox! ☀️ The equinox marks the point in time when the sun reaches the equator after spending the winter (or summer, if you’re from the Southern Hemisphere!) down south, and slowly begins travelling to the Northern Hemisphere day by day.
As the snow melts away and the first green shoots begin to appear, there's an undeniable shift in the air – spring is on its way. 🌷🐇 This season of renewal brings with so many changes, not only to the world around us, but also within us.
I don’t know about you, but as soon as spring starts to hit, my wellbeing SKYROCKETS. 🚀
From November to February, I feel like I almost go into hibernation– normally I’m an active person, but when it’s dark after work I just reallyyy struggle to get myself out of the house to do anything but the bare necessities.
Since the sun has started setting after 6 pm, I feel like a new wave of energy has hit me - and I know I’m not alone in this! 🙌
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly referred to as the "winter blues," impacts about 5% of the population. It's a form of depression with a seasonal pattern, lingering around 4-5 months each year. Symptoms mirror those of depression, like persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite. There's winter-pattern and summer-pattern SAD, so just know it’s also normal to be affected the opposite way; feeling worse in the brighter seasons!
I’m not sure what I experience qualifies as clinical SAD, but I have some seriously dark (literally and figuratively!) weeks during the winter months. 😅 Since March has begun, I feel like a different person. I experience less bad days, I have more motivation, and I feel a more general sense of optimism. The shift has really got me wondering – why is the change so drastic? 🤔
The transition from winter to spring can have a profound impact on our wellbeing, influencing everything from our mood to our physical health (yes, hibernation weight-gain is real!). But just like a spring day can fluctuate from warm sunshine to sudden showers, the effects on our wellbeing can be both uplifting and challenging. Let’s explore how this change of season can affect us, for better or for worse.
The Bright Side of Spring 🌞
First off, the increased daylight is a big deal. With the days stretching longer, it’s as if we’ve been gifted extra hours to enjoy life. This isn’t just a perception; biologically, our bodies respond to more sunlight by adjusting our internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, which can improve our mood and energy levels!
Then there's the grand re-opening of the great outdoors. Trees and flowers begin to bloom, birds chirp a little louder, and baby animals start making their first appearances. 🐣 This rebirth of nature isn't just delight to witness; it’s deeply rejuvenating. Spending time outside becomes more appealing and accessible, thanks to milder weather. Opening the windows to let in the fresh, spring air can refresh our homes and our minds. And let’s not forget the bounty of fresh produce spring brings – strawberries, asparagus, and peas OMG! 😍🍓 Eating seasonally not only tantalises our taste buds but also adds a variety of nutrients to our diet that we might have missed out on during the winter. 💪
Spring also does wonders for our bodies. 💪 The increased exposure to sunlight boosts our vitamin D levels, which is crucial not only for bone health but also for enhancing our mood. Vitamin D has been linked to a decrease in depressive symptoms, making those sunny days even brighter for our mental health. ☀️
Sunlight even prompts our brain to release more serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite and sleep. 😊 On the other hand, our production of melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy, decreases with more daylight. This means we might find it easier to wake up in the morning and feel more alert throughout the day!
The Flip Side: Springtime Sadness
Maybe you’re reading all this and thinking to yourself what the heck are they talking about?! 😞
If you feel worse in spring, you’re not alone. Interestingly, research indicates that about 10% of individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experience their symptoms in reverse; instead of the winter blues, they encounter what can be termed as "summer sadness."
Feeling a dip in your well-being with the onset of spring can stem from various factors. For one, pollen allergies kick into high gear during this season. The sneezing, itchy eyes, and general malaise that come with allergies can dampen anyone's spirits, making it harder to enjoy the warmer days.
Then there's the infamous “spring forward” in daylight saving time—a transition that can disrupt our sleep cycles and internal clocks. Losing that one hour might seem minor, but it can significantly impact our mood and energy levels, making the adjustment period a rough ride for some!
Oh, did I mention the hormonal shifts that accompany longer daylight hours can also mess with our wellbeing? While increased sunlight reduces melatonin production, leading to higher energy levels for many, this shift can disrupt sleep patterns for others. If you're someone who suddenly finds it harder to catch those Z's, the decreased melatonin might be leaving you more restless than rested. 😖
Feeling low in the Spring can sometimes be especially hard because you feel like you’re “supposed” to be having a great time! If spring has you feeling down, try to acknowledge these feelings and explore ways to adapt. For allergies, staying on top of forecasts and seeking appropriate treatments can help manage symptoms. As for adjusting to daylight saving time, gradually shifting your sleep schedule a few days in advance can ease the transition. And if hormonal changes have your sleep in a tangle, practising good sleep hygiene—like limiting screen time before bed and creating a calming bedtime routine—can help recalibrate your body's clock. Remember that while spring can symbolise growth and renewal, it's perfectly okay if your personal renewal takes a different path or pace! ❤️
To sum it up:
Understanding the science behind our seasonal mood shifts can help us take full advantage of this time of year. Maybe it's about embracing the outdoors more, experimenting with seasonal produce, or simply opening the windows to let the fresh air in. Whatever it is, spring offers a unique opportunity to refresh, renew, and maybe even reset our internal clocks to “spring forward” in more ways than one!
