It’s fairly well known that during the winter months when our daylight is limited, our positive moods are limited as well. People can experience negative feelings, sadness, anxiety, and even seasonal depression. However, some feel that the months of March-May can also have an impact on our mental health and mood too. The shift in nature when we go from winter to spring can disrupt our sleep wake cycle, add stress with changing of routines, and we can experience guilt or shame due to unrealistic expectations.

After daylight savings, we gain an hour of sun exposure each day and although that is something most look forward to, it can disrupt your sleep hygiene. In order to maintain healthy sleep habits, ensure that you're using your bedroom only for sleep. When we do productive things in our bedroom (i.e., homework/work, working out, playing games), we train our brain that it should be active in this space, instead of relaxed and sleepy. Try to do brain engaging activities outside of this room. Monitor the hours of sleep you are getting. With the sun-setting at a later time, please ensure you’re still following a bedtime routine and healthy sleep schedule that allows you to get at least 8 hours of sleep per day. Studies show that both suicide rates and manic episodes of bipolar disorder can peak during the spring season due this change in our sun exposure.

With the increased daylight time of spring, comes changing routines. This can mean that adolescents' athletic commitments shift, some now doing two sports at once during this transition. Students of all ages are preparing for midterms and finals while trying to manage burn out. Parents and home owners start to add outdoor chores to their already lengthy to do list. Although the sun can be energy boosting, this added change in routine can also add to many people's stressors. In order to better manage this added stress or anxiety, try to be organized and track your upcoming to do’s or events. Set boundaries with others and, if possible, delegate tasks to others to better manage the balance between self-care and getting things done.

Remember that you are human, and only one person. Keep those expectations realistic for yourself and for others. Just because the sun is shining, does not always mean we will feel happier and less stressed. It is normal and the majority of time, how we feel is out of our control. The one thing we do have control over, is how we manage and react to these feelings that come with the change of seasons.

Christine Ryder LCPC, CADC