It’s officially the first day of Spring!
Many of us get excited for spring, and to finally be leaving the dreary winter months behind. 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...
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 though, 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. In the spring and summer months as daylight hits us for longer, it means we release more serotonin, making us happier, giving us more energy and it can make us more 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.
Increased Serotonin Levels
Getting more daylight is linked to increases in serotonin levels. As serotonin is linked to wellbeing, 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 at least sometime everyday outside in natural light.
Days with more sunlight are understandably associated with improved mood, thanks to benefits like increased vitamin D, more opportunities to get outside and not having to layer up to do so.
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 effective way to truly get plenty of Vitamin D is through being outdoors and in the sun (safely of course). Even short stints outdoors can mean we reap the benefits. There are also physical benefits on our body from vitamin D including reduced 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.
Medical News Today reported, breathing in cold and dry air causes the blood vessels in the upper respiratory tract to narrow to conserve heat. This may prevent white blood cells from reaching the mucous membrane, making it harder for the body to fight germs.
Warmer weather and more sunlight make us more inclined to spend time outdoors, and being outdoors has positive effects on how we feel and our health. This also means more opportunity to take our exercise routines outdoors, more walks without muddy and wet weather ruining our shoes or bringing muddy paws into the house!
Some of the benefits include:
Improved mental health
Even brief sprints 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 problems. Natural outdoor light can also help if you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For more tips on creating some healthy habits that can benefit you, check out our blog here.
Longer workouts
When we have nicer weather, it can make working out seem much more enjoyable. You may be able to work out for longer and to change up your workouts with cycling, running and outdoor activities you many not have considered 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, regardless of health, status, gender or age. Learn more about the benefits of exercising on our mental health in our Walking for Mental Health blog.
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:
To get the best benefits from fruit and vegetables, NI Direct recommends to:
Which fruit and vegetables are in season in spring?
Artichokes, cabbage, carrots, pak choi, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes and spring onions are amongst some of the most common in season – see a full list here.
So that’s what we’re looking forward to as we enter spring. What's getting you excited as this new season comes?
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.