Spring awakening instead of spring fatigue

When the first warm rays of sun make themselves felt, and nature begins to awaken from its winter sleep, it’s the start of a less pleasurable feeling for lots of us: spring fatigue. But what’s behind this phenomenon and, more importantly, how can you get rid of it? 

Where does spring fatigue come from?

Although the exact reasons for spring fatigue haven’t been fully explained yet, there are some factors which might play a role. 

Different light conditions:

Shouldn’t we be full of energy because the days are longer? Not necessarily. With increasing daylight hours in spring, we experience a paradox whereby during the initial period, our bodies react sensitively to the different light conditions. 

That’s because in winter, our bodies adapt to the darkness by producing more melatonin. That’s the hormone that makes us tired. If the days suddenly get longer, the switch can put pressure on the body and lead to tiredness, until the body has adapted to the new conditions. It is precisely during this transition period that spring fatigue may strike. 

Fluctuating temperatures:

Changeable temperatures which are typical of springtime also put pressure on the body. During this season we are constantly moving from the warmth of being indoors to the still chilly spring air outdoors, with some unexpectedly warm and sunny days thrown in as well. This constant change challenges our body’s ability to regulate its temperature, and it uses up a lot of energy during this phase of adaptation in spring. That’s why we feel tired and lethargic, until we find our new inner balance. 

Hormonal imbalance:

Apart from the fact that the sleep hormone, melatonin, has to adapt, springtime also entails a change in the production of serotonin – a so-called “happy hormone”. 

You’d think that the extra sun would have a positive influence on our mood, but the fast switch in serotonin levels from low to high can briefly unbalance our hormones. This results in a phase when we tend to feel groggy and unmotivated – entirely the opposite to the energy boost we’d expect in spring. 

How can we combat spring fatigue?

1. Movement outdoors

Spring is the perfect time to start exercising outdoors. Whether it’s jogging, cycling or doing yoga in the park – the fresh air and surrounding greenery have an invigorating, motivating effect. That doesn’t just help to strengthen your body, but also supports your mental well-being.

2. Optimise your diet

Once spring’s here, we have a fresh selection of seasonal fruit and veg. By integrating these into your daily diet, you’ve got an easy way of giving your body the nutrients it needs, boosting your energy, and enjoying the delights of seasonal cuisine. 

3. A natural pick-me-up for in-between times

On days when you need an extra boost of energy, we recommend RINGANAchi. This natural pick-me-up is a powerful mix of bioactive plant ingredients with a fruity, piquant flavour, that boosts your energy levels in a natural way. Thanks to ingredients such as Vitamin C from acerola fruit powder, guarana seed extract and L-theanine, RINGANAchi is the perfect alternative to coffee. It doesn’t just combat afternoon slumps, but is also ideal for those little lows in daily life. 

4. Don’t forget to drink enough water!

Remember to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water every day. If you always have a bottle of water with you – whether you’re at home or at the office – you’ll remember to drink regularly and you’ll always have your water to hand.