The daylight saving time change provides an extra hour of light which can help with brighter moods.
Research shows that sun exposure activates the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is linked to improving your mood and feelings of calm and focus. Exercising, eating and socializing are all possible outside in the sun. With the onset of spring and summer time, more sunlight can help with brighter moods.
In fact, older research has shown that sun exposure activates the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is linked to improved mood and feelings of calm and focus.
When your serotonin levels are low, there is a risk of major depression with a seasonal pattern (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD).
She said that increasing sun exposure can also increase vitamin D levels.
“[There] is some data suggesting that low levels of vitamin D may have negative effects on mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety,” Washington said. The good news is that with more sun throughout the day, there are more possibilities to get out and interrupt your day, while also increasing your serotonin and vitamin D levels.
“For anyone working a traditional work schedule, the time change means it doesn’t get dark when you leave work and gives you more time to do things that could break the days of a pandemic,” said Washington.
Additionally, Gracy Obuchowicz, a personal care coach, believes humans have a natural flow of energy that occurs during the seasonal transition to spring.
“Having said that, I think after spending the winter in isolated pandemic mode, many of us have an unprecedented hunger to be back outside and around other people,” she said. added.
Using Clearer Days and Positive Expectations to Improve Your Mood
As you adjust to the time change and enjoy the extra hour of sunshine, Obuchowicz recommends that you make a habit of planning an outdoor activity each morning upon waking up.
“Since positive expectations are so important to our mood, you may be excited thinking about your after lunch walk that you’ll be doing while listening to your favorite podcast, or you can’t wait to sit outside in the sun while you catch up with your favorite podcast. emails, ”she said.
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Getting around in nature
Longer daylight hours and warmer weather help people remember the power of their physical bodies, Obuchowicz said.
“We have been trapped inside and our bodies are probably very eager to walk, cycle and run. Since the start of the pandemic, I have known that my relationship with outdoor exercise has gone from feeling that I should do for my health, to an activity that I deeply desire for every level of my well-being ”, a- she declared.
If traditional exercise isn’t your thing, Washington suggests gardening and working out in your yard.
“The promise of spring means focusing on flower beds, preparing your outdoor spaces for warmer weather and spring cleaning. These activities are a great transition and are sure to give hope that warmer weather is on the way, ”she said.
Take your lunch and dinner outside
While picnics are great, if you don’t have time to prepare or get away for a long time, consider grabbing your food and eating it in your back or front yard, then heading back to work. or household chores.
Another option is to have a routine to go out after each meal. If the weather is half decent, Obuchowicz said his family always go out after lunch for at least half an hour.
“It makes a huge difference in our moods and helps break up the monotony of the day,” she said.
Make after-meal activities part of your plan, Washington added.
“Outdoor fun times for families with children [could include] bubbles, races, obstacle courses,” she said.
Combining food with exercise has additional benefits, Obuchowicz noted.
“During this time in spring, it’s fun to start eating more green leafy vegetables and trying new, more vigorous forms of exercise. Especially if you know you are easily stuck in a rut, use seasonal transitions to elevate and improve your self-care, ”she said.
Interact with your friends under the sun
Whether it’s exercising, eating, or some other activity outside, Obuchowicz said to make sure you do them with a friend once or twice a week.
“Then you really have fun doing it!” Even if you’ve just ended up at a local park for a socially distant walk, it’s important to make sure you meet your social needs, as well as your physical needs this spring, ”she said, adding that this applies to both people. who live alone and those who live with others.
“We all need to see new faces right now,” Obuchowicz said.
