Spring is in the air, the evenings are noticeably lighter and the mornings are no longer about getting up in the dark. Even the sun is shining and those cold, grey very rainy days are hopefully behind us. As we creep into Spring, I am looking at How To Prepare Your Mental Health For Spring.
When Spring arrives (which is my favourite season), it is the start of the lighter days and colour blooming around us. The good old Spring clean is talked about, but today we are forgetting the cleaning as it is about us.
Whether you suffer with mental health, or feel you are coping. Just because the longer and brighter days are here (hopefully as we are in the UK). It does not mean our mental health jumps forward as well.
Table of Contents
Accept The Change In The Season
We can not stop the seasons changing, until we are ready to move forward. However, for some of us the changing season can affect how we feel
- You may feel lighter one day and overwhelmed the next.
- Energy might return — but so might anxiety.
- Motivation might flicker rather than fully ignite.
All the above is normal feelings. Spring is a nervous system adjustment period. More light = more stimulation. Your body and brain are recalibrating. Give yourself some time to catch up and adjust.
Release the “New Me” Pressure
We have just got through Winter and the usual promises of new year resolutions. Then Spring appears and it seems we should be jumping into Spring. With Spring cleaning, looking after ourselves more.
However, mental health takes no notice of the season, the weather or anything. I find that Spring is my time to make those little changes, not huge life changing things. These can be
- Slight adjustments – maybe walk somewhere instead of taking the car
- One small habit shift – maybe drink a bit more water
- A softer morning routine – take advantage of the lighter mornings
Get Out More
During the Winter when it is dark and cold, we tend to stay indoors more. We have early nights and just stay in our comfort zones where we feel safe. When Spring comes along, we are expected to do more and enjoy the longer days
We do not need to jump into Spring by being out and about all the time. We can do this gently and gradually
- Take a slightly longer walk
- Sit outside with your tea
- Text someone you’ve missed
- Open windows for 10 minutes
Support Your Body First
For us to look after our mental health, we also need to look after the rest of us. Making sure we are looking after ourselves will have a knock on effect at looking after our mental health
Focus on:
- Consistent sleep – If you do not get a good nights sleep. This will affect you the next day
- Regular meals – Try to meal plan, I also find batch cooking helps as well
- Hydration – Drink more water keeping hydrated has so many benefits
- Light movement – walk instead of drive, or walk the dog an extra 5 minutes
It Is Ok To Have Mixed Feelings
It is ok to not be jumping for joy at the sun returning. For some people Winter was a time to hide away and feel the same as others. When Spring arrives it can
- highlight loneliness
- Bring on the stress of social situations
- or it is just overwhelming
Sometimes having someone check in and make sure you are ok, can make all the difference. Or just allowing yourself to gradually creep into Spring and adjust.
I find that getting out in nature helps
Nothing nicer than getting out in nature
A thoughtful post. Thank you.
Spring lifts my spirits as I know that summer is just around the corner. It’s worth getting outside for a walk even if it’s just to admire the daffodils, crocuses and blossoms in parks and gardens.
I do love Spring where the colours change and brighten up our lives
The increase in daylight and the warmth of the sun does wonders – for me anyway!
always feel more positive with spring – the winter months are so hard
This spring has been so grey so far, I really need some sun to boost my mental health! It’s so good to get out and about as it warms up.
Those couple of days last week, where the sun was shining was so much nicer than the grey wet days either side
I think Spring is my favourite season. I find winter so difficult but feel more alive in Spring.
Spring has always been my favourite season, it is when the days get brighter colours start appearing and it is not stupdily hot
I do need to go out more now the weather is starting to get nicer. It’s better for both me and my little ones mental health (and getting Vitamin D etc) x
Being outside now the nicer weather is here does really help lift our mood
Spring is so beautiful and has already improved my mood@!
It is amazing what a bit of blue sky can do
Release the New Me energy, I LOVE IT…The change of season has always affected my mental health one way or another. Thank you so much for addressing this issue.
I think we all feel the benefits when Spring arrives
Consistent sleep is so important. It directly affects how you feel, your ability to fight off illness and so much more. It is something we all need to work to maintain where possible.
I agree but sadly sleep does not seem to like me very much
To be honest, I don’t think I am ready for this. But, I promise myself to be more confident in myself.
It is all about taking the small steps and not huge leaps
I walked to work a longer route yesterday. The sun was shining and I saw daffodils blooming. It really did me so much good and made me feel better!
It does lift your mood when the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. Slightly different weather today we had cold damp fog
I honestly don’t feel ready for anything. but I will take some tips on board thank you
I am totally with you, but it is ok to not be ready
My mental health is definitely better in the lighter months. It’s so much nicer opening the curtains to the lighter mornings
I agree nothing nicer than opening the curtains to clear skies and sunshine
I absolutely itch to get outside just about the time spring is rolling around. I need a break from all the gray of winter.
It has been a long and hard winter and I think we are all desperate for the sunnier brighter days
I really love this post. I’ve always found spring to be as much of a renewal for myself as it is for nature.
Spring has always been my favourite season, as we move forward to the warmer and brighter days
It’s been so brutally cold this winter, and the thaw is finally here! I’m already getting a lot more fresh air, and it has really improved my mood.
We have just had rain, rain and more rain this winter