What are the emotional effects of spring?

Although the arrival of spring is desired by a large part of society because we tend to associate this season with flowers and with more hours of sunlight, we rarely stop to think about the specific effects that changes of this type have on our mind.

Changes that, by the way, do not always produce well-being; Some people experience major emotional upsets in the first weeks of spring.

This type of phenomena, both positive and negative, have been widely studied in the world of psychology for several years, and knowing them is good for understanding, among other things, why sometimes when spring comes we can feel bad.

• Related article: "Emotional psychology: main theories of emotion"

What are the main emotional effects of spring?

This is a brief summary of the emotional effects that spring can have on us. You should keep in mind that these are patterns that occur in the general population, and that you do not always have to experience them or be aware of them.

1. It can make it easier for us to be in a better mood

One of the most noticeable changes that spring brings is an increase in the hours of daily light and a rise in temperatures; and this has consequences that often go far beyond being something pleasant for many people. In many cases, it has significant psychological effects on people's lives, making them more likely to be in a better mood.

Greater exposure to sunlight allows us to synthesize more vitamin D and activates our nervous system more, something that, in addition to producing well-being, makes us more capable of motivating ourselves for the activities at our disposal. scope. In other words, the mere fact of receiving more sunlight daily makes us feel more active than in the winter months, more willing to engage in hobbies, social collaboration tasks, and in general, not to adopt a lifestyle based on passivity and being at home on the sofa or in bed during our time free. And by the way, when we come into contact with new "hobbies" that fit our skills and talents, it helps to keep our self-esteem in good shape.

Do not forget that as belonging to the order of primates, our lineage has evolved mainly in areas with warm climates and plenty of sunlight, and this has implications for the functioning of our neuroendocrine system.

• You may be interested: "The 6 Types of Mood Disorders"

2. increased social activity

As we have anticipated, with the arrival of spring, most people experience an increase in their willingness to carry out social activities of all kinds, due to the improvement in temperatures and also to the fact of noticing how the days lengthen so gradual.

This is not a simple detail considering that our entire lifestyle as a species is based on socialization, and on the fact of being inserted in complex societies. Constantly interacting with others has been the survival strategy that has allowed us to adapt to all kinds of environments., including those in which there is a noticeable difference between winter and spring.

That is why spring is the season in which all kinds of social, leisure and even nocturnal activities begin that we had previously tended to avoid, such as college parties, clubbing, nature hikes, or weekend trips grade. Somehow, our most social facet is revived during these weeks, especially in young people.

The increase in the frequency of social relationships also has a positive effect on the emotional level because it makes it easier to have face-to-face emotional support from others, make new friends, etc. And it makes us feel better both with ourselves and with our environment.

• Related article: "What is social psychology?"

3. Increased physical activity

Increased physical activity is also a key element in the arrival of spring, which It has a very positive effect on people's moods and contributes to their physical and psychological health. mental.

Carrying out sports activities of all kinds, as well as excursions through nature, water activities or climbing help us to release endorphins into the bloodstream, a fact that again contributes to improving our mood and making us feel happier.

4. Spring asthenia

Just as the arrival of spring usually has a very positive effect on the physical and mental health of people, in some cases it has opposite emotional and physical effects that generate some discomfort. This occurs especially when what is known as spring asthenia.

Spring asthenia is the set of symptoms related to the general tiredness both physically and mentally, which coincides with the arrival of spring, and which can appear more or less for the same ones made for several years in a row.

It is experienced by some people at the end of winter and the arrival of the first days of good weather, and linked to the onset of climate change, temperature, humidity or pressure typical of the beginning of spring. These changes can unbalance the dynamics of the functioning of our neuroendocrine system, accustomed up to that moment to the months of cold and darkness.

This phenomenon is usually temporary and is generally related to feelings of apathy, sadness, little desire to do anything, irritability, insomnia or mood swings. Some of the physical symptoms of spring asthenia are: muscle pain, headache, digestive problems, dizziness or hypotension.

6. Physique concern intensifies

The arrival of spring and its connection with the beginning of the most relevant social activities of the year can also cause a state of discomfort in many people who are concerned about their physical appearance. It is something that happens especially in women who have been suffering complexes with their appearance for some time.; the arrival of spring does not cause this problem, but it makes it more evident and intensifies its symptoms. The social pressure embodied in spring clothing fashions that expose areas such as the belly or legs can become a nightmare.

• You may be interested: "Do you really know what self-esteem is?"

Do you want to have psychotherapy services?

If you are looking for psychological assistance services to start a therapy process, get in touch with our team of professionals.

In Awakenings Psychologists We can assist you at any of our centers located in Madrid, Getafe, Leganés or Móstoles, or we can also help you through online therapy.