The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, the days are getting longer - it's spring! But while nature comes to life, many people would prefer to just crawl into bed. Quite a few of us feel extremely listless and listless at this time of year. But where does this so-called spring fatigue come from and what can be done about it?
Tired and listless: What are the typical symptoms?
Experts estimate that around one in two people complain of springtime fatigue in the spring. But what exactly does it mean to be "spring tired"? Those who suffer from it mainly have to contend with constant fatigue, dizziness and headaches. Rarely is there the desire to do something or even to do sports. In addition, there are circulatory problems, mood swings, fatigue, lack of sleep and drive, as well as poor concentration and performance. Old people and those who are sensitive to the weather are particularly affected.
Battle of the hormones: Where does springtime fatigue come from?
Experts are not entirely agreed on where springtime fatigue comes from. This phenomenon has not yet been sufficiently researched. Nevertheless, it can be said that light and hormones play a major role: In the long, dark winter, the human body primarily produces the hormone melatonin, which ensures that we can sleep well. While the concentration of melatonin in the blood is very high in the winter months, the store of the good mood hormone serotonin is almost empty. Now, when spring brings more brightness and we spend more time outdoors, the body produces more serotonin and the dominance of the sleep hormone melatonin fades. This battle of the hormones makes us tired and not everyone copes well with this confused relationship.
Spring also brings other changes. The change in temperature affects the circulatory system, as blood vessels dilate when it gets warmer outside. This in turn has the effect of lowering blood pressure. In addition, we sleep an average of 30 minutes less in the spring. The winter diet, which is often a bit richer in fat, also makes us tired and needs to be changed first.
Fighting spring fatigue: Let's go to the gym!
The following panaceas help best against spring fatigue: sports and exercise, light, and a healthy diet.
→ Endurance sports
No matter how tempting it may be, hunkering down in bed is the wrong way to go. For springtime fatigue, you should get active. Endurance sports in the fresh air, such as jogging, cycling, walking or inline skating, are very good ways to get fit again in spring. They strengthen the immune system and the body's defenses. Meanwhile, the happiness hormone serotonin is produced in the body, which gets the circulation going and makes you lively and happy. If you like swimming, you can also do this and supplement it with alternating baths and sauna sessions.
Of course, you can also train your endurance at home on the stepper, treadmill or cross trainer.
→ Exercise in the fresh air
If you're not a fan of endurance sports, regular long walks in the great outdoors are also a good remedy for spring fatigue. Lots of exercise in the fresh air not only lifts your spirits and makes you fit, it also stimulates your circulation and strengthens your nerves and immune system.
→ Daylight
Make sure to soak up daylight and oxygen as often as possible. The first rays of sunshine put you in a good mood, as happiness hormones are also produced here. In addition, oxygen is needed for all metabolic processes in the body and gives energy. Daylight allows the organism to adapt to the new season.
→ Nutrition
A healthy diet can also help get rid of spring fatigue. It is recommended to eat light food and spread it over several small portions throughout the day. This relieves the body during digestion and inhibits cravings. Salads and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables should be included on the plate, as these foods provide the body with important vitamins, fiber and minerals. Also much drink is important, because it energizes the metabolism and stabilizes the cycle.
Editors fitnessmarkt.de (SIS)
Picture source: #172386048 © nd3000 / Adobe Stock
Published on: 9 April 2019