After the cooler season, the body really longs for warmth and sunshine. However, the rise in temperature and the changing light conditions are causing problems for the majority of people year after year. People often talk about “spring fatigue” when the body reacts to the changed external conditions with fatigue and less energy. Proper drinking habits can also help the body to better overcome seasonal fatigue.
Get active and drink water in May
This year, the cloudy and unsettled weather continues into May. This means that many sensitive people will notice the changes in light and temperature, which are usually more noticeable in March and April, in the weeks of May. The symptoms of “spring fatigue” can vary from person to person. Fatigue, tiredness, circulatory problems and even dizziness are typical. On average, the human body needs around four weeks to get used to the spring temperatures and changed light conditions. Very simple behavioral measures help to combat “spring fatigue”:
1. exercise in the fresh air
2. get enough sleep
3. ventilate rooms regularly
4. alternating showers
5. a diet rich in vitamins and minerals
6. regular drinking of tap or mineral water
According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), you should drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day. It is particularly important to drink regularly throughout the day in order to provide the body with enough water for its current metabolic processes. Tap water or mineral water should ideally provide the basic drink in spring.
These six small everyday optimizations will give your body more vitality. At the same time, these behaviors are also good for general health, concentration and fitness.
What is behind the symptoms of fatigue?
The constant change between cold and warm temperatures can put a strain on the circulation of people who are sensitive to the weather. When temperatures rise, the blood vessels dilate. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure. The light conditions also change in spring. The internal clock first has to adjust to the fact that it gets light earlier in the morning and dark later in the evening. The hormones melatonin and serotonin are primarily involved in the symptoms of fatigue.
Serotonin as an activator: This hormone is a real mood booster. It lifts the mood and activates the body. Its production takes place under the influence of light. Light stimuli are transmitted to the hypothalamus. This hormone gland is located in the brain and controls serotonin production. The more intense and longer the human body is exposed to natural light, the more serotonin is produced. The increasing sunshine in May and June can therefore boost the production of the mood hormone enormously.
Melatonin as a sleep booster: This hormone ensures restful sleep at night. The production of the sleep hormone is restricted by an increase in serotonin. As a result, the body often remains active for longer when it is light outside in the evening than in the darker months of the year. The body first has to get used to the increased serotonin production and the reduced melatonin production.
A tip for water alternatives in spring: pure tap or mineral water does not burden the body with additional calories, sugars, chemical flavors or sweeteners, as common soft drinks do. As an alternative to pure water, cold fruit and herbal teas as well as infused water with fresh seasonal fruit and herbs are ideal
