When spring is in full swing, the days are longer and the weather is nicer. All you want to do is take advantage of every opportunity. But all you really want to do is lie at home.
It is not unusual to experience fatigue in the spring. After hibernation, our body goes through some physiological changes. Trying to keep up with the changing seasons, it can become somewhat disoriented.
Here's why you might feel tired between seasons, and what you can do about it:
Sweet morning light
Spring brings earlier and brighter mornings. Ours brain interprets sunlight as our wake-up call, and often long before our actual alarm goes off. As a result, you don't get enough sleep.
How to cope
Try closing the curtains or using a sleep mask so you don't wake up before it's time. This way, your sleep will not be disturbed.
Although many people prefer to wake up in a sunlit room, sleeping in the dark has been shown to protect sleep quality. The lack of light stimulates the production of a hormone called melatonin, which controls our sleep-wake cycle and which, as a nice bonus, helps prevent wrinkles and slow down the aging process.
Springabout recovery
During the winter, we can be short on certain hormones and over-stimulated on others. We usually lack serotonin and dopamine, hormones of happiness and motivation, due to the lack of sunlight and movement. At the same time, our body produces more cortisol (the stress hormone) to protect us from external threats during the winter.
So, by the end of winter, we often feel tired and have to fight spring fatigue syndrome along with its symptoms. In order to get back into the game, our body needs to strengthen our weakened defense mechanisms.
How to cope
Reduce stress levels. Spend more time doing the things you enjoy to boost your mood and stimulate your happy hormone.
Contrast showers strengthen your immune system by making your body more immune to temperature changes.
To compensate for the lack of vitamin D, take long walks and engage in outdoor activities and exercise during the day.
Do not overexpose yourself to cold. When it's sunny outside, you want to take off your coat immediately, if not sooner. But don't fall for this trick. The spring sun can be quite deceiving and not really that warm.
Vitamin lack
When the seasons change, our bodies often suffer from certain vitamin deficiencies. This happens because we usually don't consume enough fresh fruits and vegetables in winter. A lack of these vitamins can lead to chronic fatigue by mid-spring.
How to cope
Add fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals.
Some people add biologically active supplements to their food. It's all good and sometimes necessary. But, to be honest, it is much healthier to stick to natural foods and properly balance your diet.
If you think your body still isn't getting enough vitamins, try talking to a nutritionist who can create a personalized meal plan for you.
So little time, so much to do
We are trying to do as many things as possible in these warmer, longer days. Our subconscious tells us to be more energetic because - well - it's spring, although the body often resists because it needs a little more time to readjust.
How to cope
To keep your mind and body in sync, stick to your regular schedule. Spread your activities wisely throughout the day so you don't deplete your body's reserves.
Don't make snap decisions to sleep less. Regulation of sleep-wake cycles does not happen overnight.
Do not neglect rest after feeling tired. Take 20 minutes during the day if possible.
For a smooth transition between seasons, it's wise to not drastically change your habits and schedules, eat healthy, never forget to slow down every now and then and recharge your energy batteries. This way, you will end spring fatigue faster.
