The arrival of spring brings with it a series of changes when it comes to temperatures, hours of light or flowering of trees and plants that affect humans more than it seems. It is the time of year where allergies to different types of pollen manifest themselves strongly, but it is also common that, in those first spring weeks, many people experience various sensations of unexplained tiredness, apathy or general malaise. This situation, which includes very diverse symptoms, is what is known as spring asthenia, a phenomenon that can affect 73% of adults according to data from the Vytal Study, prepared with the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (Emergent) [1]. In we explain what spring asthenia is, its symptoms and how to fight it. What is spring asthenia and why it occurs.
Spring asthenia is considered a transient disorder that has to do with our ability to adapt to the changes that occur in the environment and that, inevitably, affect us.
The weeks of transition between winter and spring imply a progressive increase in temperatures and atmospheric pressure, as well as a reduction in the hours of sleep, since, dusk, every day, a little later, a fact to which we must add the traditional change of schedule that, also for a few days, it will alter our hours of rest and even the schedule of our meals.
As experts point out, all these changes affect our circadian rhythms, our ‘biological clock' that is responsible for regulating basic functions such as periods of sleep and wakefulness or even appetite. This alteration of the routines followed during the winter that supposes the arrival of spring, can go practically unnoticed for many people, but others are particularly affected, showing physical and psychic symptoms that can directly affect health, well-being and mood.
Symptoms of Spring Asthenia
Permanent fatigue, without there being any reason to justify this reluctance and loss of vitality that affects practically any area of daily life, is the most frequent symptom of spring asthenia. The response that each organism gives to the climatological and atmospheric changes of the season is very variable, but even so, the lack of energy is one of the main characteristics that warn that you may be suffering from spring asthenia.
It is important to make it clear that, in most cases, it is a temporary situation, a period of adaptation without major consequences, but that it is advisable to monitor, since asthenia could mask some undiagnosed or treated disease.
If this fatigue and apathy worsen or last more than two or three weeks, medical consultation is essential. Similarly, if fatigue and decay are linked to other symptoms that affect health, it will be necessary to go to the specialist. As possible symptoms, also typical of spring asthenia, we must highlight:
- Loss of appetite, with consequent weight loss.
- Muscle weakness linked to tiredness itself.
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and, consequently, lethargy or drowsiness during the day.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Frequent headaches.
- Irritability, nervousness or sudden mood swings.
How to combat spring asthenia
In mild cases, some simple measures are effective in getting the body to quickly get used to the conditions brought by the new season, thus avoiding the discomfort of spring asthenia.
- Some dietary changes can help markedly to improve the situation. With rising temperatures, it is important to increase fluid intake to keep the body properly hydrated. Drinking enough water, infusions and natural juices of fruits and vegetables will contribute to a good water balance, also providing a good amount of essential nutrients. Here we indicate some of the best juices to increase energy.
- Try, in addition, to follow a varied diet, opting for the seasonal products that spring brings. Leafy vegetables, such as spinach, chard or endives, and red fruits, such as strawberries, cherries and blueberries that begin to arrive, are excellent allies to always take care of you and to keep spring asthenia at bay. Similarly, a good breakfast, in which there is no lack of protein and carbohydrates, is vital to start the day with the necessary energy to counteract the effects of spring asthenia.
- To combat fatigue, try to rest as much as necessary while maintaining good sleep habits. In this sense, it is important to follow a good routine that involves going to bed every night at approximately the same time and taking into account that the ideal is to have a light dinner. A while of reading before bed or a relaxing foam bath can help you fall asleep and reduce the symptoms of spring asthenia every day.
- Finally, try to combat that reluctance that seems to invade you by doing some exercise or an outdoor activity. A simple walk, on foot or by bicycle, enjoying the sun's rays, which already warm in spring (and will give you a good dose of vitamin D), is also a magnificent remedy to combat spring asthenia and adapt, in a matter of a few days, to the new weather conditions.
Now that we know the symptoms of spring asthenia and how to a combat it, we give you some more ideas to overcome this temporary disorder or get to avoid it. Here you can read about the best vitamins for fatigue and how to have more energy.
