How do you feel?

Nature is blossoming after a long and quiet winter and so are we, right? Well...for some of us, this is certainly true. But for many others, the season of new beginnings doesn’t feel quite so energising. If you feel unusually tired, moody, slightly ill and unsettled, know that you are far from being alone. Yesterday, at our women gathering, I realised just how common this is.

Spring fatigue is a thing…and even spring depression. Studies show that 10% of people suffering with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience symptoms in reverse - they get melancholic as the days get longer. In addition, spring can feel particularly worse for people who already suffer with an underlying depression. Harvard psychiatrist John Sharp, who has researched the effects that the changing seasons have on our emotional and physical health, suggests that while most people feel more optimistic in the spring, those who suffer with depression get into “trying to feel better” mode, which exacerbates things. It is perhaps no surprise that UK suicide rates peak in the spring.

Simple spring fatigue however seems even more wide-spread. There is no one factor that explains it. The most commonly quoted ones in the literature are hormonal changes due to more daylight, change-related anxiety, allergies (some of which are not apparent), a “purge” or renewal of the body after poor(er) winter diet, or simply memories. Yes, memories - spring is full of milestones that we remember oh so well - graduations, childhood joy, Bank holidays, weddings.  Our mind consciously or subconsciously compares them to the present moment and some of these comparisons don’t always bode so well. We all can related to this childhood present that appeared SO BIG when we were 3 foot tall.

Most importantly, spring is a time of yearly rebirth - the beginning of a new cycle. The wheel of the seasons has turned once more, reminding us that time is running on its own rhythm, regardless of our agenda. And as with every new cycle, emotions are running high. Joy, excitement, anticipation coexist with doubt, anxiety and fear of the unknown. Nothing to do, other than welcome them all. But it can be tiring.

The good news? It only lasts so long - according to “trustworthy” sources, 2-3 weeks and we are done. And there are things we can do to support our immune system and heart:

• Water - stay hydrated. The water element helps you stay receptive and flexible in times of change

• Move - exercise, do yoga, walk, be active in whatever way

• Go outside - outdoors activities help serotonin levels (apparently)

• Somewhat controversially, FAST - that’s right. With food, less is more when the body is clogged and tired.  Lighten up your diet. It is not random that this is the time of 40-day lent. In the Christian Orthodox tradition, this means minimal vegan diet. So go for it.

Most importantly, give yourself a break! You are not alone - I feel you.

Love,

Iri