Spring Brings Hope

In the winter, bears hibernate and geese fly south. They’re not the only ones affected by the cold weather - humans are impacted, too. Yes, we have to put on heavier coats and turn on the heat, but the changes go even deeper than that.

According to a number of studies, we actually consume more calories during the winter because our bodies are working harder to stay warm. We even nap more in the winter because it is a natural way for our bodies to conserve energy.

Winter’s shorter days and longer nights often leave people feeling out of sorts – there is even a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD experience symptoms of depression, such as feelings of sadness, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and irritability. Though research continues to be conducted to find out exactly why SAD occurs, it is believed to be a result of a lack of adequate bright light during the winter months. Researchers have found that exposure to bright light changes the chemicals in the brain.

People even become more at risk for heart attacks and strokes due to drops in temperature. Cold temperatures are believed to cause arteries to narrow, which makes it more challenging for blood and oxygen to reach the heart.

One can see - winter definitely impacts all of us.

So, who is ready for the spring?! Let’s talk longer, brighter days, warmer weather!

Spring marks the time of rebirth; it is a time when nature awakens and blooms, gardeners can get back in their gardens; children can run around outside – heck, even adults are running around outside! Just getting outside thanks to the warmer weather is a tremendous benefit. Researchers have found that people who get more “vitamin g” (what experts are calling time out in green spaces) have lower stress levels, reduced mental fatigue and enhanced physical activity.

Much of the impact that spring has on us is mental – after the long, cold winter months, we crave and embrace the warmer weather and longer days. We feel happier and we are ready to be more active because everything seems brighter. In fact, the days are brighter because the amount of daylight we are exposed to is increased. So, just as the decrease of light exposure affects us in the winter, the increase of light exposure will affect us in the spring.

Many people experience what has come to be called “Spring Fever”: a sudden increase in energy, elevated mood, increase in enthusiasm due to the changing from winter to spring.

Isn’t it amazing how much mood and health can be affected by Mother Nature? The most important things are to be aware of your body and mind changes and to learn from them. If you seem to get down in the winter, replace your light bulbs with brighter ones and find something to keep you active instead of allowing yourself to retreat to the couch. If you tend to get hyperactive in the spring, try taking up an activity that has you using your energy (such as running, softball, or volleyball). An activity like yoga can be done year round, inside or out in nature!

Keeping some sort of routine and embracing the beauty of every season is important. Embrace the quiet stillness of winter, the opportunity to cuddle with a cozy blanket on the couch, and time to retreat with loved ones indoors. In the spring, embrace the rebirth and hope that comes with the newness of everything and the energy longer days bring.

Nature has many lessons for us. We are, in fact, nature ourselves, so embrace yourself through the seasons as well!