Spring jitters or spring stress? Everything you need to know about spring anxiety
The sun is showing itself more often and the flowers are popping up from the ground again, it is really spring now. While many of us are slowly crawling out of the winter slump and coming back to life, for others, the most difficult period is just beginning. Do you notice that you become restless during the transition from winter to the spring? Then you are probably suffering from spring anxiety. But don't worry, with these tips, spring will be a bit cheerier.
What does spring anxiety mean?
Literally translated, spring anxiety means spring fear, and that sums it up quite well. Although it is not that you are actually afraid of spring itself. It is the transition from winter to spring that causes you to experience a more anxious and restless feeling. You are a bit out of balance, somewhat like the alarm clock of your hibernation has gone off too early. What makes this extra difficult: not everyone will understand that you feel so uncomfortable during this time; many people actually gain energy from the sun and the blooming nature. We are familiar with a winter slump, but spring anxiety is still a bit less known.
The causes of spring anxiety
That spring anxiety is a bit less known does not mean that no one suffers from it. You really don't have to be afraid that you are the only one who feels a bit less good during this time; it really isn't your fault. According to John Sharp, psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School, there are several reasons why you may suffer from spring anxiety. It may be that you are generally a bit more sensitive to change, in any form, or that you experience an anxious feeling more quickly. Also, the transition from winter to spring, which for many is something positive will be difficult for you. The switch to daylight saving time, which also happens during this period, can also cause additional problems. You might think: it's just an hour, right? That's true, but it can still disrupt your rhythm. Now that the sun is shining more often, it is also expected that we will be outside more and plan all sorts of lunches and picnics. Super fun, of course, but it can also feel like a mountain of obligations that suddenly fills your schedule completely. That sudden feeling of being very busy can feel quite overwhelming. All these changes together can sometimes just be a bit too much.
How to reduce spring anxiety
A little reassurance for everyone struggling at the beginning of spring: there are all sorts of tricks that can help you regain your peace. We have listed the most important ones for you:
1. Know what is coming
It may sound silly, but this is not the first spring you are experiencing; and therefore not the first time you are feeling this restlessness. No matter how annoying it is if you have been struggling with this for a while, it can actually help you. By taking a moment to reflect on what you have felt in the past years, you can prepare yourself for what is to come. It can also help to ask your friends and family what they notice about you during the transition of the seasons. If you know what is coming, it won't catch you off guard.
2. Make a plan
If you know that the beginning of spring is a difficult time, you can make a plan in advance to make the period a bit more bearable. You can do this by scheduling activities in your calendar that make you happy and give you energy. Maybe you enjoy going for a walk with a friend or treating yourself to a coffee date; a cozy night on the couch is of course always good, as long as it gives you a nice feeling.
3. Take care of yourself a little
That restlessness from spring anxiety can also cause you to take less good care of yourself; that anxious feeling takes over all your attention. Therefore, it is especially important during this period to pay a little extra attention to yourself. By eating well, staying healthy, and getting enough exercise, you will feel better; which also makes spring anxiety a bit less heavy. sleep, eating healthy and getting enough exercise, you will feel better; which also makes spring anxiety a bit less heavy.
4. Make it your moment
As much as you might want to, you cannot avoid spring. What you can do is turn the beginning of the new season into a fun activity. For example, plan a cozy picnic with friends or treat yourself to a day at the spa. This way, you connect a nice tradition to the beginning of spring, making it something to look forward to.
5. Don't shut yourself off
With all that restlessness and anxious feelings, you may be inclined to completely shut yourself off from your surroundings. Everything to avoid experiencing too many stimuli. As tempting as that may be, it ultimately won't help you; and you can't maintain this for the entire season either. It is actually good to talk about your feelings; just expressing them often brings relief. Your family and friends can also help you by providing distraction or giving you the rest you need in time. If that is not enough, you can always turn to professionals.
With these tips, hopefully, spring will be a little better. Don't be too hard on yourself; it is really okay to have a dip sometimes. And maybe a reassuring thought: that spring will also pass by itself.
Image: InstagramSource: Women’s Health, SELF
