The days are getting longer again, plants are budding and the sun is showing itself more and more often. You notice it in everything: spring has begun again! This season of renewal and growth affects not only the world around us, but also our internal biology. The changing season can have a significant impact on our hormones, which in turn can affect our mood, energy levels and overall well-being. Let's take a closer look at how spring fever affects our hormones and how to maintain a healthy balance during this season.

The influence of sunlight on serotonin

One of the most noticeable changes spring brings is the increase in sunlight hours. This has a direct impact on our hormone system, particularly on the production of serotonin, also known as the "happiness hormone. Serotonin plays an important role in several processes in our bodies, such as:

• Mood and emotions
• A good night's sleep (serotonin is the precursor to melatonin, the "sleep hormone")
• Appetite and feeling of hunger
• Digest
• Memory and concentration

When we have more exposure to sunlight, the production of serotonin increases, giving us a sense of happiness and well-being. This explains why many people suffer from winter depression and actually feel more energetic and positive once spring begins. To do this, however, it is important to get outside. Taking a short walk during your lunch break can be enough to increase your serotonin levels.

Spring fatigue and cortisol

Although the arrival of spring is often accompanied by an increase in energy, some people may actually experience spring fatigue. This may be caused in part by changes in our cortisol levels. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," plays an important role in:

• Regulating energy levels
• Responding to stress
• Waking up in the morning (this is also called the 'cortisol awakening response')

The change of seasons brings quite a few changes. All sorts of things are happening inside your body, but outside it, too. Diaries get fuller, there are more sports activities, parties and get-togethers, vacations need to be planned, a big spring cleaning in the house, and so on. All these things added together can lead to increased cortisol levels, resulting in fatigue or even exhaustion. Tips against spring fatigue can be read at the end of this blog.

The impact of seasonal allergies

Another factor that can affect our hormones during spring is seasonal allergies. Spring blooming brings with it an abundance of pollen and other allergens, which can lead to allergic reactions if you are prone to them. These allergic reactions, in turn, can increase cortisol levels, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and mood swings.

Also read: Tips for hay fever symptoms

Here's how to ensure healthy hormones in spring

Fortunately, there are several ways we can balance our hormones and take full advantage of spring fever.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, adequate sleep and a healthy diet, can help regulate our hormones naturally.
• In addition, relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises are great for reducing stress and stabilizing cortisol levels.
• Finally, certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, can also contribute to a healthy hormonal balance during spring.

Summary

Spring has a noticeable impact on our hormones and mood, mainly due to the increase in sunlight that stimulates the production of serotonin, our "happiness hormone. This change can give us more energy, but for some, it can also be accompanied by spring fatigue due to fluctuations in cortisol levels and seasonal allergies.

To keep our hormones balanced during spring, it is important to eat healthy food, get enough sleep and exercise, preferably outdoors. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and stabilize cortisol levels. In addition, certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, can help maintain a healthy hormonal balance during spring.

Want to know what you can do for healthy hormonal balance? Then contact our therapists team for a free consultation and together we can assess what you need in your process. We would love to help you!