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Spring is a time of renewal and growth. It\u2019s when the birds chirp more, the sun shines longer, and temperatures feel much more bearable. But why is it that despite all these things we\u2019ve waited months for, we still don\u2019t feel 100% \u201cright?\u201d<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the reality: spring means change\u2014whether it\u2019s in the weather or within us\u2014and change is uncomfortable. Especially when we aren\u2019t prepared for the jarring adjustment between winter and spring.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpring gets good, but it doesn\u2019t start good,\u201d says psychiatrist Dr. John Sharp<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sharp, who wrote the book, The Emotional Calendar: Understanding Seasonal Influences and Milestones to Become Happier, More Fulfilled, and in Control of Your Life<\/em>,<\/a> says each season has three parts: early, full, and waning. The early part\u2014the part where the weather is typically the most unpredictable\u2014can be particularly hard mentally.<\/p>\n \u201cIn early spring, there\u2019s an increased turnover of serotonin<\/a> in the brain and our metabolism kind of gears up. But we\u2019re not fully ready for it yet, so we get this restless feeling like something has to change,\u201d Sharp tells Fortune<\/em>.<\/p>\n This is why spring may feel like a time for finally pursuing delayed resolutions<\/a>, like feeling the desire to get out of a relationship<\/a>, or to move, or to quit your job, Sharp says.<\/p>\n \u201cThe \u2018I have to change something\u2019 feeling is very disorganizing and difficult to handle,\u201d he says. \u201cBut it passes.\u201d<\/p>\n But don\u2019t consider this restless, weird inner feeling the end all be all; spring is still the time of year where things bloom, and you can too\u2014if you want to. Sharp shares his suggestions to limit the overwhelming discomfort of change that often gets brought up this time of year.<\/p>\n Many people feel the desire to chop their hair in the spring, or to get a fresh wardrobe. Though these decisions are sometimes impulsive, they are usually harmless. But Sharp warns against more impactful impulsive decisions, like uprooting your family. Be aware of the feelings you\u2019re feeling, but try not to act immediately on them.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t overreact or try to reach some conclusion impulsively,\u201d he says. \u201cIf it\u2019s something you really need to do, you\u2019ll be able to do it later when your energy can be better put to use.\u201d<\/p>\n Try telling yourself that if a change truly needs to happen to improve your mood<\/a> and overall life experience, taking a beat to do so won\u2019t be a problem in the long run.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to take on a new habit or hobby<\/a> in the spring just because the weather is nicer and there might be more of a push to.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re not into yoga<\/a>, you don\u2019t have to start yoga. If you don\u2019t go to the gym<\/a>, you don\u2019t have to start going to the gym,\u201d Sharp says.<\/p>\n \u201cBut do whatever works for you, and maybe even do it a little more. Use the power of the familiar to try and assure yourself that this is going to be okay, that you\u2019re going to figure this out.\u201d<\/p>\n Sticking to a routine<\/a>, no matter how simple, can greatly impact mental health<\/a>, as it can lower stress levels<\/a> and improve sleep<\/a>.<\/p>\n It may seem silly, but welcoming a new season and its quirks can actually positively impact your outlook on the changing seasons. If you look at the unpredictable early spring weather negatively, you\u2019ll likely have a harder time than if you keep your mind open to the idea of newness everyday.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can characterize you as a person, whether or not you like the inconsistency,\u201d Sharp says.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you cool with an unscripted plan? If you\u2019re better with spontaneity, spring might be more appealing to you.\u201d<\/p>\n The moment temperatures begin to rise seems like the perfect time to take your warmer weather clothes out of hibernation, but don\u2019t be surprised if they need to return there just as quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cGet out your spring clothes, but don\u2019t be mad at them when it gets cold again,\u201d says Sharp.<\/p>\n This is similar to when spring flowers, like daffodils, pop up early spring despite the weather not being fully nice yet. Though they are a harbinger of spring, their presence can be confusing when we\u2019re still waking up to frost.<\/p>\n Perhaps we think we can manifest the warm weather by putting away our winter coats and grabbing out the sandals, but having clothes at the ready that you just can\u2019t wear yet could actually lead to more disappointment. Plus, it\u2019s added clutter for your spring cleaning.<\/p>\n Instead of migrating it all to your closet or dresser, maybe grab out a couple transitional pieces to get you in the spirit of spring.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re feeling down, the last thing you may want to do is leave your bed. But it\u2019s true that being outside improves your mental health. Even spending five minutes outdoors changes your vantage point.<\/p>\n Though the early part of spring brings inconsistent weather, Sharp says even being outside when the weather is unfavorable can improve the way we feel, much like the previous point. Even if you have to romanticize the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the weather is cold, think of how you\u2019d feel when you\u2019d come back and get warmed up and make yourself a nice cup of tea, put your hands on the outside of the hot mug, and maybe even light a candle? Boy, you\u2019d feel so happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Having to do something that forces you to leave the house, like walking<\/a> your dog or getting groceries, is also great when the motivation just isn\u2019t there.\u00a0<\/p>\n But if you can\u2019t seem to shake a persistent bleh feeling, it might be rooted in something more serious than just uneasy feelings about change.<\/p>\n Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder<\/a> (SAD), happens this time of year, too. It\u2019s a persistent feeling of sadness typically associated with dark, cold winter days though, making its continued presence into the spring surprising for some. Studies<\/a> actually also show that symptoms for people with mental illness<\/a> and mood disorders often become more apparent and worsen during the spring season.<\/p>\n This is partly due to changes in the amount of light<\/a> we\u2019re exposed to, which impacts our circadian rhythm, so even though more sunlight seems to be a surefire cure to seasonal depression, it creates an imbalance that can feel overwhelming<\/a> or exhausting.\u00a0<\/p>\n Feeling sad or off in the spring\u2014or any season\u2014is normal and not necessarily something that should shoot off warning bells. But like any other medical concern, mental health issues<\/a> shouldn\u2019t be pushed under the rug. If you\u2019ve tried any or a combination of these tips and you can\u2019t shake a constant sadness, it may be time to talk to a doctor.<\/p>\n \u201cThe worst thing is when somebody feels isolated and alone. Things will get better for most people but if you don\u2019t feel like that\u2019s you, reach out for help,\u201d says Sharp.<\/p>\nAvoid impulsive decisions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Do more of what works for you<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Welcome spontaneity<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t put away your winter wardrobe just yet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Get outside<\/strong><\/h2>\n