For many people, spring is the best time of year. It symbolizes youth. The days are getting longer, the first leaves are appearing on the trees, and the birds are returning from warmer climates. But spring influences not only nature but also our behavior and well-being.
Methods for determining the beginning of spring:
- Astronomical. The change of seasons occurs because the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to the Sun also changes throughout the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins when the Sun is directly overhead over the equator. This is called the vernal equinox—March 20th.
- Calendar . According to the calendar, spring begins on March 1 and ends on May 31.
- Phenological . It is based on phenology—the study of phenomena related to individual spring phases. The unique feature of this method is that the onset of spring is determined by constant natural phenomena that recur only during this time of year. For example, the appearance of blooming snowdrops, the swelling of tree buds, etc.
- Climatic . Climatic spring occurs when the average daily air temperature exceeds 0 degrees Celsius.
How does spring affect our hormones?
As the days get longer and the sun shines more often after winter, many people choose to gather outdoors.
Spring sunlight has a beneficial effect on the skin. As soon as ultraviolet radiation reaches the delicate epidermis, the body stimulates vitamin D production.
Vitamin D isn't actually a vitamin, but rather an essential hormone. People can't get enough vitamin D from food, so regular exposure to fresh air is essential.
Research shows that the human body can store vitamin D. However, these reserves are depleted within a few months. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency typically occurs after a long winter and a lack of sunlight.
Vitamin D transports large amounts of calcium to muscles and bones. Bones become stronger and denser. Furthermore, our muscle strength increases.
- A day outdoors eliminates vitamin D deficiency in 8 days.
How does spring fatigue manifest itself?
However, solar radiation affects us not only through light but also through heat. Researchers use this phenomenon to explain so-called spring fatigue.
- The first days of spring have the same effect as visiting a sauna (a sauna puts the same strain on the body as exercise). Blood pressure drops. Veins dilate. This creates a feeling of sluggishness and fatigue.
Spring fatigue passes when the human body adapts to new circumstances.
Why is there often a good mood in spring?
How is it that at the beginning of the warm season we feel more alert, healthier, and even more attractive? This effect is explained by the fact that our retinas also receive more sunlight. Thus, spring light counteracts the production of the hormone melatonin in the brain by the retinal receptors.
- The less melatonin the human body produces, the more effectively serotonin functions. This “happiness hormone” induces a pleasant feeling of well-being. The more light a person receives, the more serotonin the body produces.
Thus, the health effects are comparable to light therapy.
In conclusion, I'd like to add that spring should be taken advantage of as much as possible. This is especially true for middle-aged and older adults. Avoid watching too much television, staying home all the time, and dwelling on the situation in the country. Instead, spend more time walking, meeting with friends, and enjoying nature.