- The change in seasons can also bring changes in our bodies, whether that be our hormones, moods or sensitivities.
- While not everyone may be affected my the seasonal change in the same way, one common change is increased energy and mood.
- Some of the more negative changes to be aware of are the potential increase in allergy flare ups, joint pain and migraines.
The change of season from winter to spring is one that many look forward to each year, especially for those who live in colder climates. Changing temperatures, blooming flowers, and lighter jackets — what’s not to love?
While it’s common to notice some changes in the environment when the seasons change, you may be surprised to know that your body may also experience some changes. The extra sunlight, longer days, and warmer temperatures that come with the spring can actually effect our mood and the way our bodies function. Follow along as we breakdown a few interesting things that happen to your body in the spring that you may not know about.
Hormonal Changes
It’s common for our hormones to shift when the weather warms up in the springtime. WebMD explains that when the seasons change, the retina in our eye naturally reacts to the first subtle signs of an increase in daylight. The retina is the inner layer of the eye that connects to the brain through the optic nerve.
This response can trigger a hormonal change, which includes an adjustment in melatonin, a hormone that effects our sleep cycle and mood changes. Since our retina registers more daylight, you may notice an uplift in your mood and the desire to sleep less than you did in the winter months.
Shutterstock/IndypendenzIncrease In Headaches And Migraines
Another common bodily occurrence that happens in the spring season is an increase in headaches and migraines. HealthDigest explains that temperature changes often trigger cluster headaches. When the temperature shifts, rainy days become more common, and air pressure changes, which are some reasons that it may be more common for headaches to trigger.
In one 2014 study published in Cephalalgia, researchers investigated cluster headaches and found that over 700 patients showed that these headaches are more frequent when the seasons change from winter to spring, or fall to winter.
Prostock-studio / ShutterstockA Boost In Mood
The change in season from winter to spring means longer daylight hours and more sunshine. This can also lead to an increased feeling of happiness and a boost in mood. WebMD explains that during the spring, melatonin production eases up, which leads to less depression, especially for those prone to seasonal affective disorder.
Researchers at Brigham Young University did a 2016 study with university students that compared the hours of daylight during the warmer seasons with mental health. The study showed that the increase in hours of daylight during the warmer seasons had a significant impact on happiness and reported emotional distress went down.
Memory Improvements
Another change that may occur in the spring is an improvement in memory. In an experiment published in the journal of Psychological Science in 2005, researchers tested the correlation between weather and memory. The study found that those who spent more time outside on spring days reported happier moods and were better at recalling a string of numbers.
A secondary test was conducted which surveyed a group of random individuals outdoors and indoors in the spring. The outdoor group received higher scores when the weather was warmer. These results indicate that spending time outdoors in the spring has brain-boosting effects that may improve mood and memory.
Shutterstock/Veles StudioJoint Pain May Increase
If you’re someone who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you ma notice that your flare ups occur more often in the spring. A 2019 study conducted in Japan analyzed data from a national database of arthritis patients and discovered that the disease was most active in the spring.
The researchers suggested the likely cause of this is may be due to the highly fluctuating temperatures. While research in this area is still developing, it is a trigger to be aware of if joint pain or rheumatoid arthritis is something you struggle with.
Shutterstock/PaeGAGWeather-Related Allergies
If you suffer from weather-related allergies, you may notice an increase in your body’s response to allergens in the springtime. WebMD explains that the biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen, which is released into the air by trees, grasses, and weeds to fertilize other plants.
While this happens, however, it may also interact with those who are allergic, and can send the body into defense mode. Common spring allergy reactions include a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing or coughing.
Shutterstock/Pavlovska YevheniiaMultiple Sclerosis Flare-Ups
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system where the body’s immune system mistakingly attacks nerve cells. Often those with MS experience symptoms in flare ups, and this may be more common in the spring.
Many studies of MS patient data have found that symptoms are most common in the spring and less common in the late summer or fall. One study in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences analyzed over 2,000 patients and found that symptoms began to rise in April and peak in June. The reason for this is still being researched, but WebMD explains that warmer temperatures and solar radiation seem to be linked to increased activity in MS patients.
Shutterstock/Minerva StudioAsthma Outbreaks
If you suffer with asthma, you may notice that it’s a little more difficult to breath in the springtime due to spring allergens. According to AsthmaCanada, exposure to allergens can trigger asthma symptoms or even an asthma attack, which is something to be aware of.
If you struggle with asthma, it’s best to be prepared when springtime rolls around. Always carry a reliever inhaler with you, limit time spent outdoors, and inquire with your doctor about allergy or asthma medication that may be best suited to treat and prevent symptoms.
Shutterstock/valiantsin suprunovichCross-Reaction Fruit Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies to grass or tree pollen in the springtime, you may also experience a cross-reaction to certain fruits. These spring allergies make your immune system hyper-reactive and may cause you to become sensitive to some fruits and vegetables that contain proteins similar to those in the pollen, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
As an example, those who suffer from hay fever and grass pollen may experience a reaction to tomatoes, peaches or potatoes. Those who have allergies to birch or alder trees may be affected by apples, celery or cherries. You can avoid this issue by peeling or cooking the fruit before you eat it.
Shutterstock/CHALERMCHAI99Increase In Creative Thoughts
Aside from an uplifted mood, you may also notice an increase in creativity during the springtime, according to a study at the University of Michigan.
The study found that pleasant weather and an increase in time spent outside led to a broadening cognitive style such as an openness to new information and an increase in creative thoughts. If you’re looking to start a creative project or pursue a new creative hobby, spring may be the time to start!
Shutterstock/angelo lanoHair Growth
It seems that it’s not just flowers that bloom in the spring! According to a report in the British Journal of Dermatology, your hair hits its peak anagen phase during March, with the number slowly declining until September.
WebMD explains that the anagen phase of hair growth is the active phase where the cells in the root of the hair are dividing rapidly. This causes new hair to be formed and pushes out hair that has stopped growing.
Shutterstock/SunKidsBoost In Energy
When it comes to mood changes in the spring, another big shift you may notice is an overall increase in energy levels. Longer days and more hours of sunlight have been proven to boost energy levels and productivity while lowering feelings of emotional distress.
For those who suffer with bipolar disorder or any manic disorder, however, this may be something to be even more aware of. WebMD explains that those who suffer from these disorders may be more manic in the springtime.
Shutterstock/Dirima
