Change of Season, Change of Mood: Mental Health Tips for Spring
As the winter snow gives way to blossoming flowers and the warming sun, the arrival of spring signals the season of renewal and hope! But for many, the transition from winter to spring can bring about an unexpected change in mood. The sudden shift in weather and daylight can significantly affect our mental wellness; hence, we must be prepared to address this aspect of our health during the spring season.
Making sure our mental wellness is at the front and centre of our daily routine, especially during seasonal changes, is much like keeping an umbrella handy for those sudden spring showers.
Here are our top mental health tips for embracing and enjoying the changing season...
Embrace the Sunlight
As the days start to lengthen, take advantage of the increase in sunlight. Sunshine plays a crucial role in maintaining our circadian rhythms and boosting our mood.
Try catching a few ray bursts every day, and you'll soon notice the gloomy blues making way for some bright yellows... like a sunflower in full bloom! Exposure to morning sunshine helps keep melatonin, our trusty sleep hormone, in check, balancing our sleep-wake cycle and boosting our mood further.
Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule
With the transition into daylight savings, you can be thrown off your regular sleep schedule. Your body loves the familiar, especially when it comes to your zzz's. So, let's outsmart daylight saving time and stick to our sleep routine. Make an aim to bag 7 to 9 hours of glorious, uninterrupted sleep each night. Our bodies thrive on consistency, so when it comes to our shut-eye time and wake-up call helps us settle into the new schedule.
Adopt an Outdoor Exercise Routine
Spring is a great time to take your workout outside. Exercising isn’t just about getting those muscles flexing and hearts pumping, it's a brilliant mood booster, too. Our bodies and minds love it equally! Just imagine swapping the four walls for the boundless sky, the stale indoors for the refreshing, cool morning air of spring. Each breath feels like a shot of pure energy.
Eat Fresh and Seasonal
It's showtime for the freshest, crunchiest, most colourful fruits and veggies that Spring brings along. Keeping a balanced diet is like playing a friendly match with nature, where we ensure all seasonal fruits and veggies get a chance to swing by our plates. These aren't just easy on the eyes, they're their very own little powerhouses of nutrients that can supercharge your mood and energy levels.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Watching the flowers bloom and hearing the birds chirp can be calming for your mind. Practice mindfulness by unplugging technology and savouring these moments. A dash of quiet and calm can also come from practising meditation. The gentle rhythms of springtime can help you ride the waves of mindfulness and meditation, taking you on a journey of tranquillity and peace.
Stay Socially Connected
While the winter months may have kept you indoors, spring is a wonderful opportunity to connect (or reconnect) with friends and family. Plan some picnic outings, or nature treks, or just catch up on an outdoor patio now that the sun sets later! Whether it's a long-awaited reunion or a spur-of-the-moment meetup, Spring is all about connection and shared laughter in the fresh air and basking in the warm sunshine.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you find it increasingly difficult to manage mood swings or anxiety despite your best efforts, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Therapists and mental health professionals are available to provide necessary guidance and support during difficult times.
While spring brings along so much joy and beauty, it's essential not to ignore the impact it can have on our mental health. By following these tips, you can ensure that you take care of your mind while enjoying the new season to the fullest.