Spring Fever: What It Is, Why We Get It—What’s the Antidote?
As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, spring fever is “...a lazy or restless feeling often associated with the onset of Spring.” Although spring fever is not an official diagnosable category, many people have noticeable mood changes as the seasons progress. The term spring fever is believed to be coined by early European colonists who developed weakness, fatigue, and irritability due to a lack of fresh vegetables and fruit during the long winter months. Today, the term spring fever is just used to describe the antsy feelings we get in April and May as spring approaches. Some of the modern symptoms include changes in behavior, an increase in energy, and feelings of restlessness as warm weather approaches. Some associate spring fever as an extension of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As the days get longer people’s moods are boosted with the extra Vitamin D granted by lengthier exposure to the sun.
Many people are afflicted with this seasonal fever due to a variety of differing factors. One particular factor revolves around the production of melatonin in our bodies. During the winter months, our bodies tend to produce larger amounts of melatonin causing us to feel drowsier. As daylight hours increase, our melatonin levels decrease causing a boost in energy.
As the spring fever season approaches quickly here are some ways to combat your “symptoms”:
Go for a walk around a park! A simple stroll in the nice weather will help you soak in the sun and ease your mind. Minneapolis has hundreds of different parks to explore, including the East River Flats Park right on campus!
Clean out your closet! Donate the clothes you haven’t worn in years that only take up space, and allow someone else to show them some love. By cleaning your closet you create more space for the pieces you love, and new pieces you collect along the way.
Thrift a spring wardrobe! Freshen up your newly cleaned-out closet and prepare it for spring in a fun and sustainable way. Buying “new” clothes can help you prepare yourself for the upcoming season.
Plan a road trip! A change of scenery is always welcome, especially during the endless dull winter months. A quick weekend getaway with some friends can refresh your mind and boost your mood.
Organize your space! An organized space allows for an organized mind. Tidying up the spaces you are in every day allows for a calmer mindset, plus taking the time to organize can help release some of your pent-up energy.
Whatever you decided to do to work through your spring fever, just remember warmer weather and longer days are just around the corner! You’ve got this!
