Beat the Spring Fever Blues

By Robin Westen

One day the sun is bright and the air is warm, and you think, “Finally, spring is here!” But on the very next day, the weather returns to chilly and bleak. All this bouncing around not only affects us physically with the springtime sniffles, but it can also create an edgy, even down feeling. Take heart. Experts say there are effective ways you can wait out the weather change. Here’s how:

Invest in Spring Plants

Even if they’re not ready to blossom outdoors, indoor plants get a jump on the season. Choose cheerful bulbs such as tulips, hyacinth or daffodils. Studies show flowers can raise our feel-good endorphin levels.

Opt for Lighter Foods This is an excellent time to start giving your body a lift with less heavy meals. Eat lots of fresh produce: salads, fruit, sushi, and light stir fry. This fare helps combat the leftover winter doldrums. Avoid root vegetables and heavy soups that can remind you of winter.

Stay Hydrated Often feelings of anxiety and depression are worsened by the accumulation of toxins in your body. Drink plenty of water to flush them out. This is also a good time of year to add green tea to your daily beverage intake. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves that’s been shown to have a relaxing affect.

Breathe in Fresh Air Even if the weather isn’t ideal, fresh air boosts your mood. A minimum fifteen minute walk each day will improve your state of mind by helping you purge airborne toxins and breathe better. When you’re indoors, open a window whenever possible.

Invest in a Massage or Body Scrub Massages are the perfect way to get tired blood flowing and improve circulation. Add a scrub to the massage and dead winter skin will be wiped away allowing a fresh layer to breathe.

Sign Up for a Fitness Class Now’s the time new schedules at many gyms and yoga studios start appearing. Sign up for a class and set your sights on committing to a spring exercise routine in the upcoming weeks.

Start Your Spring Cleaning Early Clutter has been shown to contribute to depression. Take a few minutes at the start of every day to go thru one drawer, shelf or closet. If you're consistent, you'll have a fresh house just in time for the start of real spring.

Robin Westen is ThirdAge's Medical Director. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V is for Vagina."