Why spring changes your mood, energy, and body more than you think

The body and seasonal changes: A constant state of adjustment

Our bodies operate according to internal rhythms known as biological rhythms.

These rhythms are influenced by external factors such as light, temperature, and the length of the day.

Spring marks a major transition:

• days become longer
• temperatures rise
• exposure to daylight changes rapidly

The body therefore has to recalibrate several systems at once, which can create a temporary feeling of imbalance.

Light: The conductor of our internal clock

A direct influence on the body clock

Natural light plays a central role in regulating our internal clock.

In the brain, a structure called the suprachiasmatic nucleus synchronises our biological rhythms with the outside environment.

As daylight hours increase, this system has to readjust, which can take several days or even weeks.

Melatonin, serotonin… a new balance

Spring changes the production of several hormones:

• melatonin, which regulates sleep, decreases as light exposure increases
• serotonin, which plays a role in mood, tends to increase

This rebalancing can lead to:

• temporary sleep disturbances
• a feeling of being “out of sync”
• mood fluctuations
  

“Spring fatigue”: A real phenomenon

A period of physiological adjustment

Contrary to popular belief, spring does not always bring an immediate boost in energy.

The body has to adapt to new hormonal and biological rhythms. This transition period can result in temporary fatigue.

A temporary desynchronisation

Some people describe feeling out of step with their environment during spring.

This phenomenon is similar to mild jet lag: the body simply needs time to realign itself.

Mood in spring: Better… but not always stable

A well-documented positive effect

Increased daylight exposure is associated with improved mood in many people.

Light therapy is even used in the management of certain seasonal mood disorders.

An emotionally unstable period for some people

For others, however, this transition can instead bring:

• nervousness
• irritability
• anxiety
• emotional fluctuations

These reactions are linked to the nervous system adjusting to rapid environmental changes.

The nervous system: A body on alert

Spring can stimulate the nervous system by increasing overall bodily activity.

This can create a paradoxical feeling:

• more energy… but also more restlessness
• more motivation… but sometimes less emotional stability

In more sensitive individuals, this may lead to a sense of overwhelm or sensory overload.

Sleep: An easily disrupted balance

With increased daylight, the sleep-wake cycle can shift.

Some people struggle more to fall asleep or start waking earlier than usual.

Less restorative sleep can then:

• worsen fatigue
• affect mood
• reduce the body’s ability to recover

Allergies and inflammation: An indirect effect

Spring also brings the return of pollen.

In sensitive individuals, allergies may lead to:

• fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• respiratory discomfort

Even though these symptoms may seem minor, they can still affect overall well-being and emotional balance.

Spring and chronic illness: Stronger effects

For people living with chronic illnesses, these seasonal changes may feel more intense.

Because the body is already under strain, adapting to the season can worsen symptoms such as:

• fatigue
• pain
• sleep problems

This can create the feeling of being more physically or emotionally unbalanced than usual.

Why do we all react differently?

People respond to spring very differently from one another.

This depends on several factors, including:

• individual sensitivity
• level of fatigue
• stress levels
• environment
• overall health

Some people experience spring as a period of renewal, while others experience it as a more difficult transition.

Understanding these changes can make them easier to live with

Spring is not just a pleasant season. It is also a period of adjustment for the body.

Recognising that these changes are normal often makes them easier to accept.

Rather than expecting an immediate burst of energy, it may help to view spring as a transition period, one that allows the body to gradually find a new balance.

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Take care!