The seasons play on the cycles of evolution of mental health. In spring, it is the return of good humor and well-being. But why ? What are the effects of spring on health? Can we optimize them?
The end of March signals the arrival of Spring and promotes better mental health. The return of the luminosity and milder temperatures accentuate the urge to move and participate in social activities. What are the effects of spring on mental health?How to have morale in the spring?
What are the effects of spring on mental health?
There is a proven link between psychological disorders, weather and seasonality. “There is a real cycle of evolution of mental health linked to the seasons” confirms Dr. Fanny Jacq, psychiatrist. “In March-April, we observe a decline in psychiatric consultations. In spring, the increase in luminosity promotes our serotonin secretion, we better regulate our melatonin, we also secrete more endorphins, the hormones of good mood and well-being” says our interlocutor. “After hibernating in winter, we leave the house more, which gives us vitamin D to be Dalso avoids the risk of rumination that occurs when one is locked up” says Dr. Jacq.
“Luminosity promotes the secretion of serotonin and endorphins, the hormones of good mood and well-being”
The return of the sun and pleasant temperatures encourage us to go out and organize social activities (drinks on the terrace, walks, etc.). It is a period that motivates people to get back into sport. “For example, we feel less like jogging or swimming when it’s cold, while in spring the temperatures are milder and it rains less to run outside.” justifies the psychiatrist. Gold “Sports activity has beneficial effects on mental health: it reduces depression, stress and increases cognitive abilities” says our expert. In addition, after meals rich and saturated in fat (such as raclettes, fondues), spring is the season for fresh fruits and vegetables, lighter and healthier meals, rich in nutrients. “spring is spring cleaning season. We throw, we tidy, we sort, we air and we start on a new basis“adds Dr. Jacq.”A study of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, which analyzed Google queries, concluded that mental illnesses are more common in the winter. Indeed, research related to mental illnesses (how to get out of it, research by psychologists, how to sleep better, etc.) drop dramatically during spring and summer.”
Maximizing the mental health benefits of spring starts with be aware of these. Concretely : “Leaving your home, putting your head in the sun, walking instead of taking the metro, buying more fruits and vegetables, sorting your house… are ways to increase the benefits spring on mental health“says our expert.
Does light therapy increase the benefits of spring?
“There light therapy is part of phototherapy, a family of treatments that use light, reminds the specialist. It is recommended for individuals who have a pathology, a real seasonal depression disorder (October to February in general)” indicates Dr. Jacq. At home, it can further optimize the benefits of spring, in particular by promoting the regulation their sleep problems. “Light therapy follows the rule of 3: do 30 minutes in the morning by standing 30cm in front of the lamp and in phases of 3 weeks (to avoid the risk of addiction)” recommends our expert.
Thanks to Dr Fanny Jacq, psychiatrist.
Source : Seasonality in Searching for Mental Health Information on Google, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, May 2013