Spring Fatigue and New Energies
In a few days, spring will begin, the days are already getting longer, it gets dark later, and the temperatures are milder and more pleasant. But, despite being a favorable change of season for our bodies, it often happens to feel tired, exhausted, and lacking in strength.
It almost seems that the first spring days bring us drowsiness and fatigue instead of new energies. The causes can be attributed to a sort of adaptation period of our body to the new rhythms. The extra hours of daylight push our bodies to accelerate metabolic activity, but it takes a sufficiently long time to readjust to the new balance. Indeed, the result, even if only temporary and transient, is an evident decrease in mental and physical strength and energy.
Therefore, this condition is entirely natural and has nothing to do with chronic fatigue syndrome, a serious and complex pathological condition extensively described in literature.
Additionally, it should be noted that the past season, and I am not only referring to the winter season but generally to the past year, has been marked, besides the usual influences and ailments of the cold period, especially by the Sars-Covid19 infection, which has put all of us to the test.
Our psychophysical state has been, and still is, subjected to various stresses - worries, anxieties, reduced social contacts, social distancing, remote work - and has thus become more vulnerable.
Let's see where we can start to regain our precious energies.
First rule: listen to your body and give yourself time. Do not ignore the signals sent by your body, pay attention to them.
Increase the consumption of detoxifying foods such as artichokes, chicory, cucumbers, and, in general, increase the intake of plant-based foods: preferably whole grains and legumes, seasonal vegetables, and fresh fruit. A daily orange or grapefruit juice is a vitamin C boost, useful for restoring and maintaining immune defenses.
Vitamins of the B group (B1, B2, B6; B12, folic acid) are water-soluble vitamins, cofactors for enzymes, essential in cellular function and energy production. They are found in raw foods, legumes, and cereals, green vegetables, nuts, egg yolks, and fruits. They are lacking in refined and processed foods, so choose fresh and seasonal foods, preferably minimally processed.
Detoxify your body with sufficient amounts of water and liquids.
Nighttime rest is crucial: help yourself with herbal teas that promote falling asleep and rest. Some plants like passionflower, hawthorn, and lemon balm can promote relaxation in the evening after dinner.
Tonifying-adaptogenic plants, i.e., plants capable of improving the body's adaptability - Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Guarana, Damiana, Maca - can be useful in cases of asthenia, mental and physical fatigue. They stimulate metabolism and are potent tonics, so they should be used with caution, preferably under the guidance of an expert.
Practice daily physical exercise: preferably outdoors and in natural light (to promote vitamin D production), without a mask (where possible, according to current regulations for the containment and spread of Covid19 infection). Walking, cycling, walking the dog, breathing in green spaces, in parks, can become a panacea for the mind and body. Do not let laziness win, avoid sedentary behavior whenever possible, in this way, you naturally improve your mood.
Dr. Concetta Mauriello
