Get Outside and Get Healthy This Spring!

Nothing lifts the spirits like a breath of fresh spring air. Spring is finally here! It is time to trade in that dreaded snow shovel and replace it with a gardening tool, tennis racket, or new hiking boots. No matter where we live, we all look forward to sunny days to get warm and fill our souls with new energy. For those cooped up inside most of the winter, springtime brings new adventures and the opportunity to get our bodies moving once again.

Studies show that longer days producing more light can positively affect moods and depression. However, spring has its annoyances, such as allergies and hay fever. This article will discuss the health benefits of springtime and include information on healthy eating, exercise, and mental health.

The Science of Spring and Mood

If you think winter puts you in a bad mood and spring takes you out of your bad mood, you may be on to something. Moodiness is real; sometimes, it relates to science through melatonin and our circadian clock. Changes in the neurohormone called melatonin mediate seasonal rhythms. The pineal gland secretes melatonin which is controlled by our endogenous circadian clock.

"Not everything that's cool is science, but everything in science is cool." ~ Phil Plait

Melatonin affects our sleep and can be a factor in anxiety and depression. More melatonin is released in darkness, and less is released with exposure to light. Some of us take melatonin supplements to help us sleep. In the winter, when we are in darkness longer, more melatonin is released, which may affect our moods due to tiredness. Hence, when spring brings longer days and daylight, our brains produce less melatonin, making us less tired, which may positively affect our moods.

Mother Earth Is Waking Up

Springtime brings a spiritual awakening to many. Seeing the first buds on the trees and discovering early spring flowers blooming represents new life, new beginnings, and renewed hope for the future. Humans celebrate worldwide with festivals, vacations, spring gardening, planting trees, spring cleaning, beginning a new exercise regimen, playing golf, etc. It is a great time to start eating healthier, too.

A plant-based diet is a healthy way to welcome spring. Whole foods give us more nutrients than processed foods. They contain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can lower the rates of serious diseases like heart disease and cancer. Research shows that fruits and vegetables contain many nutrients that may be integral in fighting depression.

Processed foods do not contain nearly as many nutrients as whole foods. Also, whole foods do not contain added sugars known to contribute to obesity and heart disease. Many of us consume processed foods thinking they taste better. They only seem that way in reality because we have eaten them for so long and have neglected to try plant-based items. If you cannot imagine giving up meat, try decreasing your meats and increasing your vegetables and fruits. Any improvement will help you feel better, which is something we can all bite into.

Learn More About Holistic Health Approaches

To explore how nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness work together, visit our holistic treatment page. This resource provides information about comprehensive approaches to mental health that address the whole person, including physical and spiritual well-being.

What Could Possibly Be Wrong With Spring?

Interestingly, a few issues can make our springtime a challenge. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is normally associated with effects from longer and darker winter days, but it can also affect a person during the springtime months. SAD is most common in those with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.

Consequently, people with seasonal affective disorder also may have other mental health issues like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and eating disorders. With that said, if you are experiencing depression and it is persistent, please do not ignore the symptoms. Seek help from a mental health professional or your healthcare professional.

Seasonal allergies rear their ugly heads in the spring and affect many of us with sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, congestion, and other symptoms associated with allergies. Thankfully, effective over-the-counter and prescribed medications can alleviate the symptoms.

Hay fever, however, can present and feel like a common cold. You may experience a cough, a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy nose or throat, swelling under the eyes, and a clear discharge postnatal drip. You may also be excessively tired. How do you know if you have hay fever or a cold? With a cold, you may also have a low-grade fever and a yellow mucus discharge, which will not appear with hay fever. There are medications for hay fever, but if you can avoid the hay fever triggers, you may be able to avoid hay fever.

Some hay fever triggers include:

• Grass pollen

• Tree pollen

• Ragweed pollen

• Pet dander

• Dust mites

• Spores from molds and fungi

See your healthcare professional if symptoms do not go away and medications are not working. Asthma and sinus infections can worsen hay fever, so make sure your doctor is aware of that and any medication allergies you may have. The good news is that when treated, symptoms are manageable, and you can still enjoy spring.

Mental Health Benefits of Spring Activities

Spring offers numerous opportunities to improve both physical and mental health. Getting outside and being active can significantly benefit those dealing with mood disorders or seasonal depression. Physical activity combined with sunlight exposure can be particularly helpful for managing symptoms.

Mindfulness therapy techniques can be enhanced by practicing outdoors, connecting with nature and the present moment. Many people find that spring gardening, hiking, or simply spending time outside helps reduce stress and improve their overall mental well-being.

For those in recovery from substance use issues, spring can be a time of renewal and positive change. Engaging in healthy outdoor activities provides natural alternatives to substance use and can be incorporated into comprehensive treatment plans.

Getting Support When You Need It

Mental health is always a priority. The change of seasons can bring new experiences, but it can also bring anxiety and depression. Symptoms can be mild but also concerning when accompanied by substance overuse.

Professional mental health programs include treatments for substance abuse. If you feel overwhelmed due to mental health issues or associated alcohol or substance dependence, help is available. Programs are designed for various needs, whether for mental health, substance abuse recovery, relapse, or other addictive struggles.

Treatment options include outpatient therapy that allows you to maintain your daily activities while receiving support, and virtual telehealth options for convenient access to care.

Therapeutic approaches like individual therapy can help address seasonal mood changes, while group therapy provides peer support for those dealing with similar challenges. For those with co-occurring disorders, integrated treatment addresses both mental health and substance use concerns simultaneously.

So, get out there and enjoy your spring. Adventures await!

Find Mental Health Support for Seasonal Changes

Use our comprehensive treatment directory to find mental health providers who can help with seasonal mood changes, anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. Our directory helps you locate therapists and treatment centers that offer holistic treatment approaches, evidence-based therapies, and support for various mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Whether you need individual therapy, group therapy, or comprehensive treatment for co-occurring disorders, find providers who can help you embrace the positive aspects of spring while managing any seasonal challenges.