Because melatonin levels are lower in the spring, we have more energy, which gives us the nudge we need to do more things we've been wanting to do, but might not have had the energy for in the fall and winter months. Melatonin levels rise because there is more daylight detected by the eyes and this triggers the pineal gland to produce less melatonin than it does in the fall and winter months when the days are shorter. So it's not your imagination that you feel like doing a bit more once the days get longer.
For this reason, isolation indoors during the spring and summer months is not advised. Be sure to open the curtains, step outside, go where the sun is, and feed your body's desire for exposure to this time of year. Hiking, gardening, working in the yard, walking, and any other activity that will expose you to the elements is good medicine. It's important not to stay closed off indoors where the light and sun can't reach you and the changing seasons are only minimally enjoyed.
One thing to be careful of in the spring and summer is the use of allergy medications due to pollen. Many allergy medications have antihistamines in them, which typically leads to drowsiness, but in some people they can also lead to increased heart rate, dizziness, sweaty palms, and rapid breathing, all of which mimic symptoms of anxiety. And if you recall, all it takes is a belief that the symptoms are life-threateningly dangerous, and the body will believe these symptoms are something much more serious or dangerous than they are.
An increase in movement this time of year can only help with stress and anxiety. In fact, according to a study done by Dr Ben Singh, physical activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of stress and anxiety than even medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. So be sure to follow through on the idea to get out for a walk, ride a bike, go swimming, or any other number of physical activities that seem to be more desirable this time of year.
In addition, when we feel good in the warmer months and have more energy, this is also a great time to work on and refine our depression and anxiety relapse prevention plans. Having a clearly written plan for what to do when anxiety or depression return in the colder months gives us more ideas in our bag of tricks for when the going gets rough, but who feels like laying all of that out when energy is low or depression has set in? So take the time to do it now while you feel up to it. What will your plan and strategy be, and how will you lay it out and cope when the time comes that energy levels are once again low and motivation is hard to find due to additional seasonal changes.
Enjoy your spring and summer! Use the energy wisely! Be self-aware of how the body and energy changes throughout the year. Be alert to anxiety symptoms that are chemically triggered and monitor what your thinking does with that information. Stay one step ahead and prepare for the changing seasons.
"I am thankful that in a troubled world, no calamity can prevent the return of spring." ~Helen Keller
Thanks to Ray in Manila for the great photo, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
