Hello to Spring and goodbye to Winter

Of the four seasons, spring is most definitely my favourite of all. It is the wake-up call we all need after the darker and colder days of winter. Spring nestles between winter and summer and lasts for a 3-month period, March, April, and May. This year, in the northern hemisphere, spring will commence on 20th March.

The spring season brings with it optimism and hope, new beginnings, and increase in temperatures. The days are longer and brighter, we will hear birds singing their tunes again, and we can spend more time outdoors breathing in fresh air.

Spring symbolises transformations after months of colder weather and dormancy in gardens and parks. Flowers and shrubs come back to life, and bulbs spring back up from the ground. Animals come out of hibernation, and there are newborn chicks and lambs to bring joy to our souls. With more moisture in the air, our senses of smell are enhanced, and bright colours, budding trees and blooming bulbs give us a hit of dopamine, promoting happiness and the feelings of love within us.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Throughout winter, some people suffer with the “winter blues”, a major depressive condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is due to a lack of sunlight, activity and fresh air, as well as a change in the circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle). 

The condition leads to extremely low mood, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, poor motivation, depression, and a loss of pleasure in normal everyday activities. This can increase our tendency to eat more comfort foods (often sugar-loaded), causing weight gain and sluggishness, which can then result in a lack of self-esteem. 

It is estimated that 1-2% of the population will suffer with this condition and often if there is already poor mental health, it may worsen with SAD. It has also been suggested that there is a genetic component to this condition. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder

If you or anyone you know does suffer with these symptoms, it may be beneficial to contact a GP who may suggest the following treatments to boost mood, increase motivation, and feel positive again:

• Lifestyle: getting as much natural light as possible, exercising, and managing stress.
• Light therapy: using a light box to stimulate exposure to sunlight.
• Talking therapies: such as Counselling are hugely beneficial to provide support to help individuals to navigate each day. Explore the benefits of counselling here. 
• Medication: such as antidepressants. 

How does Spring affect mood?

Moving into the spring season and being exposed to more sunlight releases serotonin (the happy hormone), which can heighten energy levels. This is also conducive to increased intimacy and sexual desire, which is why spring is sometimes referred to as the season of love. When our energy increases, we feel more like doing the things we love including increasing our exercise intake which overall improves our mood.

Just like the plants, trees and animals are attuned to the seasons, so are we! 

When the trees wake up, their buds produce vibrant blooms of pink and white blossom, and we will see fragrant carpets of bulbs popping up everywhere to remind us of the ending of winter and the beginning of spring.

What can you do this spring to awaken your soul, boost your happiness, and chase away the winter blues?

• Spend time outdoors: In whatever way you can! Going for a walk, taking deep breaths, gardening, planting a tree or litter picking are just a few suggestions. 
• Connect with nature: Listen to the birds, look out for blossom and bulbs, feed the ducks.
• Start a new hobby or seasonal activity: when’s the last time you made a bird feeder or planned an easter egg hunt?
• Mindfulness exercises to calm the nervous system
• Spring clean