Spring into Spring
Guest Blog, written by community member – Clare Moller
Spring into Spring
As the title suggests, this season definitely has a "Spring" in its step!
This blog looks at Spring as a time of new beginnings, and considers the health benefits of this season.
Moving on From Winter
Winter, as a season has its purpose, of course. Though it can be a challenging time of year in terms of feeling as if we are in darkness nearly all of the time. Many people experience low mood in winter, even if they don’t suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). But winter is a time for hibernation and recharging.
Then after the hibernation and recharging, Spring comes.
Daffodils under a tree in a park on a sunny Spring Day
What Does Spring Mean?
What do think of when you think of Spring? My thoughts go to daffodils, daisies, Easter and light.
Some fantastic words associated to Spring are:
Light
Fresh
New
Hope
Positivity
Spring is about new beginnings. New starts of life, new birth and continual rebirth of ourselves during our lives. Spring is always a time for new beginnings, no matter where you are in the age and stage of your life. Spring offers us all the chance to start again. It feels like everything is new again, and is a real time for exploration and excitement.
The Positive Impact of Spring
The Positive Impact of Spring
The positive impact Spring has on our mental wellbeing being is endless. Spring has so many health benefits. It's also the beginning of lighter seasons, leading to summer, which makes us feel good knowing it's the start of warmer seasons to come.
All experts agree on the common thread of the health benefits. To name a few, Spring:
Helps us connect with nature and all the benefits of being outdoors more
The vitamin D we are absorbing increases at this time - this is so good for our bodies and minds
We store up the Vitamin D from lighter weather so when winter returns, it is stored in our body to combat darkness.
The sunshine and lighter weather releases feel good hormones such as dopamine. We have raised spirits and mood!
Winter can be solidary, being indoors alone more, so Spring helps us reconnect socially, so it is so good for our social wellbeing being.
We are more physically active in Spring, again, making us feel good as well as leading to improvements in our health.
Whether being out and about walking or just sitting in the garden, Spring helps us to have more fresh air by being outdoors more.
Spring is a wonderful time of year to reconnect into your life after a season of hibernation.
New Beginning
New Beginnings
Spring is a great time to set intentions, and to start new things. With increased daylight we have increased energy, and doing things in the evening begins to feel more possible again.
What might your new beginning be for Spring? Perhaps starting a new activity or reconnecting with an old one? Whatever you want your new beginning to be for Spring, do it! Be positive, be well and be safe.
As long as you are developing and maintaining great health and mental wellbeing. Even if you just sit back outside and soak in the season, you are always feeling the benefits.
Everyone Spring into Spring and have a wonderful time! Wishing you fantastic mental health and wellbeing!
About the author: Clare comes to Pause & Breathe and has been involved in our community for the last 5 years. She has an interest in writing and shares her blogs with us regularly.