Spring Asthenia: Causes, Symptoms And Remedies To Combat It
Although for most people the arrival of spring is a positive event, for others the increase in light intensity and temperature leads to a certain destabilization of mood and a reduction in physical energy.
In this article we will talk about the causes and symptoms of spring astheniaas well as the home remedies that we can use to combat it.
The term “asthenia” is used to refer to states of generalized fatigue, both physically and psychologically. It also usually denotes physical weakness; Literally, the word asthenia means ‘lack of strength’ in Greek.
Asthenia can be a symptom of many different disorders, including sleep disturbances and degenerative diseases such as cancer. It can also occur as a result of the consumption of some medications.
Some people, especially middle-aged women, experience fatigue and a drop in mood that coincide with the arrival of spring; We know these cases as ‘spring asthenia’.
It is a temporary and mild alteration that does not reach the category of disorder, unlike seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs more commonly in winter. Both spring asthenia and SAD seem to be related to exposure to natural light.
Causes of this alteration
The symptoms of spring asthenia are mainly attributed to the fluctuations in temperature and the number of hours of sunlight typical of this season, which cause hormonal changes in the body.
Although the causes of spring asthenia are not entirely clear, the most accepted hypothesis proposes that with the arrival of spring there is an alteration in the blood levels of some neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins. Likewise, exposure to natural light increases the release of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.
These factors, together with the reduction in blood pressure that occurs when the temperature rises, cause the body to consume significant amounts of energy and favor the appearance of feelings of tiredness, weakness and drowsiness.
Spring asthenia occurs especially when we adapt to the time change in March, lasting until the body gets used to the new schedule (approximately one or two weeks). In this sense, the role of circadian rhythms, involved in sleep and eating patterns, is especially important.
Frequent symptoms
Spring asthenia usually consists of symptoms related to generalized fatigue and tiredness; Thus, people who suffer from this alteration report difficulties in dealing with their daily obligations and daytime sleepiness, even if they sleep an adequate number of hours.
Physical fatigue is frequently associated with psychological symptomsincluding sadness or decreased motivation, ability to concentrate, appetite and sexual desire.
Likewise, the symptoms of spring asthenia frequently include changes of an anxious nature, especially nervousness, irritability and difficulties falling asleep.
Headache and joint pain, a feeling of dizziness, erectile dysfunction and general malaise are other of the most common symptoms of spring asthenia.
Remedies for spring asthenia
Since it is generally an alteration of mild intensity, spring asthenia does not require pharmacological or psychological treatment, but we can remedy it through simple changes in our habits and routines.
Consumption of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or nuts. Foods that provide a lot of energy, such as bananas and royal jelly, are especially recommended.
It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of high-calorie foods; Spring asthenia has been linked to these types of foods because they increase the feeling of drowsiness and it is common for us to eat more of them during the winter.
It is also important drink at least 6 glasses of water every day to keep us hydrated. Juices and infusions can be beneficial as a complement.
Among the foods and drinks that people with symptoms of spring asthenia should avoid, industrial pastries, coffee, and exciting and alcoholic beverages stand out.
2. Practice physical exercise
Doing moderate-intensity physical activity on a daily basis can be very beneficial for people with spring asthenia. The exercise makes our body release endorphinscausing sensations of pleasure and relaxation.
Although it is best to do aerobic sports for half an hour at least 5 days a week, walking 30 minutes a day may be enough to relieve symptoms of physical and mental fatigue.
3. Increase hours of sleep
During the transition between winter and spring, environmental changes cause our body to expend more energy; Therefore, at this time it is especially important to sleep an adequate number of hours each night, especially for people with spring asthenia.
You have to try sleep at least 7 or 8 hours each nightdepending on the usual sleep needs of each person. If this is not feasible, it is advisable to try to rest more during the weekend.
Maintain fixed schedules to rest and eat helps stabilize circadian rhythmsfavoring the body’s adaptation to the arrival of spring and time changes.
5. Do pleasant activities
Depressive symptoms, such as mental fatigue, sadness and lack of motivation, can be alleviated by doing activities that we find pleasurable, especially if we share them with our loved ones.
Physical activity is especially recommended because it not only elevates our mood directly but also indirectly, by promoting the production of certain neurotransmitters and hormones.
6. Try to relax
Relaxing activities and habits, such as meditating, taking hot baths, or breathing slowly and deeply, can be very helpful for people with anxious symptoms derived from spring asthenia.
