Spring is in the air. The weather is getting warmer. The sun is brighter. People are energetic, cheerful. The world is suddenly full of color and you’re full of joy. Right? Well, maybe not. The truth is, not everyone loves the Spring.
You may be surprised to know that, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics there are more suicides in the spring than any other season. You might also be surprised to learn that there are lots of people who get more anxious as the days get longer and the sun gets stronger, in a reverse of traditional SAD (seasonal affective disorder) syndrome.
But how could that be? What’s not to love about the season of sun and sandals and short sleeves?
Lots.
This is the season when allergies bloom, and there’s recent research that suggests allergies can affect you emotionally as well as physically.
The change in temperature and daylight savings time can cause an interruption in your sleep schedule and that loss of sleep can make you anxious.
Spring involves a change in season. And, for some people, change is tough and scary and to be avoided if possible. Even if the change seems to be for the better, it can still make you feel anxious.
We have the same kind of expectations about this time of year that we have about the holiday season that everyone should be happy, energized and full of life.
There may also be unpleasant memories of past Springs that make this time of year difficult.
So, how can you help yourself deal with the changes Spring brings without the usual fear and worry? Here are some suggestions for helping you put together a plan together to help you manage your anxiety this time of year.
If you’re dealing with allergies, please talk to your health care provider about putting together a plan to help you feel better physically.
If you’re finding you’re having trouble sleeping, rethink your sleep schedule. If you’re waking up too early because of an earlier sunrise, you might want to plan an earlier bedtime. If it’s still light when you’re going to bed, you might consider buying light blocking shades to keep the light out of your bedroom.
If you’re nervous about the change in season, spend some time finding things you do like about this time of year. Do you like the fresher food you can get at the market? Maybe you enjoy not having to pull on boots and mittens to be able to go outside. Do you love watching baseball? Playing tennis? How many things can you come up with that are great about the spring?
Finally, it’s important to get moving. Go out for a walk, take a yoga class, dance, play badminton, or study Kung Fu. It doesn’t matter what you do, it just matters that you get your body in motion.
Just because you’ve worried your way through Spring in years past, doesn’t mean this year can’t be different.
This year is the year you have steps you can take to help yourself feel better all season long.