Spring is Here! 4 Reasons to get excited for this new season

The spring season kicks off on 20th March and there is plenty for us to get excited for whilst leaving behind the dreary winter months.

January and February are considered some of the darkest and coldest months after all the excitement of festivities. But why does spring make us feel better?

We’re looking into some of the key reasons why spring brings positivity and a new burst of energy to us. Here’s some things to look forward to as we head into the new season...

1. Longer days and more daylight

Longer days definitely help us to shake off the winter hibernation! Having longer days means we get more daylight and plenty more time in the mornings and evenings to get outside and enjoy some sunlight (as much as we can living in the UK!)

Having more daylight does have positive effects on us and our lifestyles, helping to improve mental and physical health. Some of these include:

Improved Sleep

More daylight can help to improve our sleep quality. In the spring and summer months as daylight hits us for longer, it means we release more serotonin, making us happier and giving us more energy to be productive.

Having better all round mental health contributes to improved sleep. Natural light in the mornings can have a positive impact on our quality of sleep whereas darker days can make us feel tired and lethargic.

Morning sunlight induces sleep earlier and improves it's quality and duration. Additionally, being outdoors for at least some parts of the day can make you sleep better. 

Sleep quality is just important as the amount of sleep we're getting. It's recommended we get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, so prioritising things like our sleep pattern and good sleep habits can help us make sure we're getting enough good quality sleep. 

Increased Serotonin Levels

Getting more daylight is linked to increases in serotonin levels. As serotonin is linked to well-being, having higher levels can mean we feel better in our mental health and mood. With lack of exposure to sunlight the levels can drop. It’s recommended to try to spend some time everyday outside in natural light.

Days with more sunlight are understandably associated with improved mood, thanks to benefits like increased vitamin D levels.

Other ways to increase serotonin levels include:

• Exercising or taking part in physical activity
• Lowering your stress levels
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet including tryptophan-rich foods
  
• Getting enough good quality sleep

2. Warmer weather

Warmer weather has a positive effect on how we feel. Feeling the sun on our skin is a great feeling for many, but there are also many mental and physical health benefits of warmer weather, including:

More Vitamin D

Allowing the body to create more vitamin D from sunlight exposure has major benefits for us. Sunlight on human skin synthesizes vitamin D, which is essential for good mental health.

Studies from Mclean Hospital have suggested people who experience depression have low levels of the vitamin. The most simple and effective way to increase vitamin D levels is through spending time outdoors and in the sun (safely of course). Even short stints outdoors can mean we reap the benefits.

Vitamin D is also important for our physical health. It helps with reducing inflammation, cell growth and it can also protect against respiratory infections.

It's Safer

Sounds like a great excuse to book a holiday or move to a warmer country, right? However, it is true warmer weather can be safer for us in terms of our health. Cold weather can have a negative impact on our heart and respiratory system. 

According to the UK Health Security Agency, we have a range of reflexes that kick in to keep our core temperatures steady at around 37.5°C. This keeps our cells and organs protected from damage.  

When we start to get cold, our blood becomes thicker, which can cause clotting. Cold weather actually makes it harder for our immune system to fight off illnesses. 

3. Getting outdoors more

Warmer weather and more sunlight make us more inclined to spend time outdoors, which has positive effects on how we feel and our health.

This also means more opportunity to take our exercise routine outdoors and enjoy more walks without wet weather ruining our shoes or bringing muddy paws into the house!

Some of the key benefits of spending more time outdoors include:

Improved mental health

Even brief stints of time outdoors can have a huge positive impact on our health. Maybe you work in an indoor environment or perhaps don’t have the opportunity to get out much, spending time in nature can help with mental health issues.

Natural outdoor light and vitamin D can also help if you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression which comes and goes in pattern with the seasons.

Longer workouts

When we have nicer weather, it can make working out seem much more enjoyable.

You may be able increase the length of your workouts or do more cycling, running and outdoor activities you may not have considered (or wanted to do) during the winter months.

This can be particularly helpful with your fitness goals. Even if you don't fancy a long workout, or maybe you're just getting started, studies have suggested even just five minutes of outdoor exercise resulted in improved self-esteem and mood.

If high intensity exercise isn't for you, walking can improve mental health, is a great form of physical activity and can be much more pleasant in the summer months.

4. New foods in season

Spring also brings with it more options of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Eating good natural food, such as fruit and veg brings us many benefits including:

• A good source of vitamins and minerals
• Reduces risk of heart disease, some types of cancer and strokes
• Contributes to a healthy, balanced diet

To get the best benefits from fruit and vegetables, NI Direct recommends to:

• Include different fruit and vegetables which range in colour, as different combinations have different amounts of fibre, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
• Eat it as soon as possible, rather than keeping it in the fridge for a while

Which foods are in season in spring?

Artichokes, cabbage, carrots, pak choi, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes and spring onions are among some of the most common fruits and vegetables in season during spring months.

Help and support 

Not everyone feels better as we head into spring, and sometimes the pressure to get out and do more can be overwhelming. Spring blues are very much a thing and often described as reversed Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Remember you’re not alone if you feel like this and various resources and help are available if needed.

• Mind offer a wide range of information and support for mental health, including information on helplines, support and services and medication and therapies.
  
  
• The NHS offers mental well-being audio guides, which help to boost moods. 
  
  
• Bupa offers quick round-the-clock access to mental health support via the Digital GP app. A specialist mental health team is also available through Bupa.
  
  
• AXA support is available around the clock for members with AXA’s 24/7 Health at Hand service. Counsellors are just a phone call away.
  
  
• The Exeter provides access to trained specialists who can evaluate and treat various mental health conditions. They also offer emotional and behavioural support. Access to lifestyle coaching, stress management, improving sleep and motivation to exercise is available.