Spring asthenia: causes, symptoms and remedies

Although for most people the arrival of spring is a positive event, for others the increase in intensity of light and temperature leads to a certain destabilization of mood and a reduction in energy physical.

In this article we will talk about the causes and symptoms of spring asthenia, as well as home remedies that we can use to combat it.

• Related article: "Asthenia: what is it and what symptoms does it produce?"

What is spring asthenia?

The term "asthenia" is used to refer to states of generalized fatigue, both physically and psychologically. It also tends to denote physical weakness; literally, the word asthenia means 'lack of strength' in Greek.

Asthenia can be a symptom of many different disorders, including sleep disturbances and degenerative diseases such as cancer. It can also occur as a result of the consumption of some medications.

Some people, especially middle-aged women, experience tiredness and a drop in mood that coincide with the arrival of spring; we know these cases as ‘spring asthenia’.

It is a transient and mild alteration that does not reach the category of disorder, unlike seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs more commonly in winter. Both spring asthenia and SAD appear to be related to exposure to natural light.

Causes of this alteration

Symptoms of spring asthenia are mainly attributed to fluctuations in temperature and the number of hours of sunlight typical of this season, which cause hormonal changes in the body.

Although the causes of spring asthenia are not entirely clear, the most accepted hypothesis proposes that with the arrival of spring there is an alteration in the blood levels of some neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins. Also, exposure to natural light increases the release of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

These factors, together with the reduction in blood pressure that occurs when the temperature rises, cause the body to consume significant amounts of energy and favor the appearance of feelings of tiredness, weakness, and drowsiness.

Spring asthenia occurs especially when we adapt to the time change in March, lasting until the body gets used to the new time (approximately one or two weeks). In this sense, the role of circadian rhythms, involved in sleeping and eating patterns, is especially important.

Frequent symptoms

Spring asthenia usually consists of symptoms related to generalized fatigue and tiredness; thus, people who suffer from this disorder report difficulties in dealing with their daily obligations and daytime sleepiness, even if they sleep an adequate number of hours.

Physical fatigue is frequently associated with psychological symptoms, including sadness or decreased motivation, ability to concentrate, appetite and sexual desire.

Likewise, the symptoms of spring asthenia frequently include disturbances of an anxious nature, especially nervousness, irritability and difficulties in falling asleep.

Headache and joint pain, feeling dizzy, erectile dysfunction, and general malaise are other common symptoms of spring asthenia.

• You may be interested: "Emotional fatigue: strategies to face and overcome it"

Remedies for spring asthenia

Since in general it is a mild intensity alteration, spring asthenia does not require treatment pharmacological or psychological, but we can remedy it through simple changes in our habits and routines.

1. Eat a healthy diet

Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or nuts. Foods that provide a lot of energy, such as bananas and royal jelly, are especially recommended.

It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of hypercaloric foods; Spring asthenia has been associated with these types of foods because they increase the feeling of drowsiness and it is common for us to eat them to a greater extent during winter.

Also important drink at least 6 glasses of water every day to keep us hydrated. Juices and herbal teas can be beneficial as a complement.

Among the foods and beverages that people with symptoms of spring asthenia should avoid are industrial pastries, coffee, and exciting and alcoholic beverages.

2. Practice physical exercise

Doing moderate intensity physical activity on a daily basis can be very beneficial for people with spring asthenia. The exercise makes our body release endorphins, causing feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Although it is best to do aerobic sports for half an hour at least 5 days a week, walking 30 minutes a day may be enough to relieve symptoms of physical fatigue and mental.

3. Increase the hours of sleep

During the transition between winter and spring, environmental changes cause our body to expend more energy; therefore, at this time it is especially important to sleep an adequate number of hours each night, especially for people with spring asthenia.

You have to try get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, depending on the usual sleep needs of each person. If this is not feasible, try to rest more during the weekend.

4. Regularize schedules

Maintain fixed hours to rest and feed ourselves helps stabilize circadian rhythms, favoring the adaptation of the body to the arrival of spring and to time changes.

5. Do enjoyable activities

The depressive-type symptoms, such as mental fatigue, sadness and lack of motivation, can be alleviated by doing activities that we find pleasant, especially if we share them with our loved ones.

Physical activity is especially recommended because it not only elevates our mood of fitness directly but also indirectly, by favoring the production of certain neurotransmitters and hormones.

6. Try to relax

Relaxing activities and habits, such as meditating, taking hot baths, or breathing slowly and deeply, can be very helpful for people with anxious symptoms derived from spring asthenia.