Springing Into Action: How Seasons Impact Mood, Mental Health, and Motivation

Turns out the new year might not be the best time to make resolutions.

You’re not imagining it. In the dead of winter, when you choose not to go for that walk, tackle that project, or even just be particularly social, there are thousands of people in emotional and motivational hibernation right along with you. You’re also not alone if, like so many, you get a sudden burst of energy and motivation at the arrival of spring. 

Whether you’re one of the millions of Americans dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) each year or you just have a very common predisposition toward reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation during the colder months, it’s perfectly natural to let spring be the season of action as you make big plans, explore new possibilities, and embark on significant life changes. 

Let’s take a look at the link between the months and the moods and how to make the most of our own spring revivals. 

This Is Your Brain in Winter

Any questions? Plenty, I’m sure. While researchers are still trying to pinpoint the physiological origins of seasonal mood changes, many point to a reduction in serotonin levels, which help regulate mood. Some of the common weather-related factors that can impact serotonin levels include, but are not limited to: 

• Duration of Sunlight – Research indicates that shorter daylight hours can affect the levels and function of molecules that help to maintain average levels of serotonin.
• Vitamin D Levels – Another factor that can decrease levels of serotonin is the loss of vitamin D during months of more limited outdoor exposure. In addition to food, humans get a significant source of vitamin D from the absorption of sunlight on their skin. 

People with established diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are at markedly higher risk for SAD than others. This condition can be treated with counseling and techniques such as light therapy, vitamin D augmentation, and (if applicable) antidepressants. Talk to your doctor before taking any prescription medications related to seasonal mood changes. 

So Now What?

Now that we’ve pinpointed some of the potential “whys and whens” of seasonal mood changes, let’s discuss how we can make the most of that spring serotonin surge. Here are some tips to help you start spring with a bang (or a gentle nudge if that’s what you prefer). 

1 . Use Winter for Planning 

Think about what you need and want to do when time and weather permit, and make a list so you have a readymade battle plan. Whether it’s cleaning out a closet, taking a trip, switching up your fitness routine, or taking up a new hobby, we succeed in our plans when we plan to succeed. Making a list also helps to ensure we won’t forget our plans or become overwhelmed by them when we’re finally able to start executing. 

2 . Keep It Real

Productivity doesn’t have to mean punishment. As you’re making your spring plans, be sure to keep them realistic so you actually have time to enjoy yourself and reap the fruits of your long-awaited labor. You also don’t want to set yourself up for disappointment when you’re not able to complete everything on your list. Keep it light, keep it real, and keep it honest. 

3 . Stagger Your Goals 

You may want to ease into your plans at the tail end of March and go harder and harder as the season progresses. You may want to align your goals with holidays or important events in your life or community. Maybe you even have your plan list broken down month by month so you can eat the proverbial elephant one bite at a time. Setting and meeting monthly milestones helps strengthen your sense of accomplishment and makes things more manageable as a whole. 

4 . Check in with Yourself

Make sure your physical and mental health aren’t being sacrificed at the altar of the spring planning gods. It’s OK, and incredibly common, to scale back ambitions as things come up. “Maybe next year” is not a dirty phrase, and you shouldn’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get to cross everything off your list. Remember: the reason you’re doing this is to feel energized, inspired, and fulfilled. 

There’s No Wrong Answer

The arrival of spring means different things for everyone. While there are common rituals around which we all coalesce at one time or another, each person internalizes seasonal changes in their own way. Some may be inspired to explore a new seasonally appropriate hobby; others may give themselves greater permission to do some literal and figurative spring cleaning. The important thing is that you use it as an opportunity to take action in whatever way feels good or productive to you. 

However you’re planning to welcome spring, Recovery Unplugged urges you to do so with excitement, intentionality, and self-love. Happy spring!