Spring has officially sprung into action! The snow has melted, flowers are blossoming, the sun is starting to come out again, and the grass and trees are green. With the current seasonal changes, there are long hours in the day and warmer temperatures. As summer is just around the corner, these changes may induce excitement and positivity for the summer festivities. Although the seasonal change may seem positive, it may actually lead to symptoms of spring fever including high energy and lack of motivation. But what exactly is spring fever and what remedies can you do to help with spring fever?
What is Spring fever?
Spring fever is a phenomenon that involves a “specific set of mental and sometimes physical changes that arise as a response to warmer weather.” In fact, spring fever has been found to occur around “early spring” and may last up until the summer months. Not only are high energy and lack of motivation symptoms of spring fever, but sleep deprivation, irritability, a desire to spend time outside and even joint pain are symptoms as well.
rEMEDIES
1. exercise
Finding the time to exercise can be quite difficult while managing academics along with a part-time job and while sleep deprived. However, it is important to make sure that you are incorporating physical activity into your schedule. In this case with spring fever, exercise will help to reduce any fatigue that you may be experiencing and will also help your body to “stimulate…circulation” as well.
2. Have an aDEQUATE SLEEP SCHEDULE
As both restlessness and sleep deprivation are symptoms of spring fever, it is especially difficult to ensure that you are getting enough sleep when the nights have become shorter, and your sleep schedule is off. When developing a sleep schedule, it is important that you are getting between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to reduce any sleep deprivation or restlessness. So, create a sleep schedule that works best for you.
3. DIETARY PATTERNS
During the cold, dreary months of the winter, we often consume foods that are high in “fat and low in vital nutrients.” Because of our dietary patterns in the winter, we often don’t consume enough foods that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, spring is the time for regrowth, plants begin to grow and produce becomes cheaper and more readily available at grocery stores. Additionally, fruits and vegetables can also help to boost energy and brain function during the spring, which is especially necessary when we are lacking the motivation to complete assignments.
4. Connect with nature
With the sun out and the flowers blossoming, it is the perfect time to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. Whether you decide to go on a nature walk, hike, picnic, or bike ride, there are several opportunities to explore nature this spring. Additionally, connecting with nature also helps to reduce spring fever. Spending time outdoors can help to boost your energy metabolism and improve serotonin levels and productivity, which helps to create an even balance between your energy levels, productivity, and sleep schedule during spring.
As you may be already experiencing symptoms of spring fever, be sure to take advantage of these remedies as necessary and best wishes for the spring quarter!
XOXO Her Campus