Chronicles
17 April 2023
Spring is good for us!
Spring is often seen as the season of rebirth and growth, when nature begins to wake up from winter. However, the health gain of spring isn’t just limited to improving our mood and state of mind. Indeed, spring can offer unsuspected benefits for our physical, mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore some of them.
Sunlight: a cure for seasonal depression
The lack of natural light during the winter months can cause some people to experience a form of depression called seasonal depression. This depression is manifested by a having our mood down, constant fatigue and loss of interest in usual activities. With the return of spring, the amount of natural light increases, and this can help combat seasonal depression.
Natural sunlight acts on the brain by stimulating the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Sunlight also helps regulate the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality.
Natural light is important for regulating our internal biological clock, which controls our sleep, mood and appetite. Sufficient exposure to light can help regulate our biological clock, improve our mood and energy levels, and for your vitamin D supply!
This vitamin, also known as the "sunshine vitamin", has an essential role to play in the body's use of calcium, in muscle physiology and in cell growth.
Outdoor activities: a remedy against a sedentary lifestyle
Spring is the perfect season for outdoor activities. The temperature is mild, the sun is shining and nature is in full bloom. Outdoor activities can include walking, running, biking, hiking, gardening, etc.
These outdoor activities can help combat physical inactivity, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Outdoor activities can also help strengthen muscles and bones, improve blood circulation and reduce stress.
Hiking, for example, can improve our physical condition, strengthen our muscles and bones, as well as our immune system. Gardening can help us burn extra calories, improve our flexibility and balance, and even reduce our stress levels. In addition, engaging in outdoor activities can allow us to enjoy the benefits of nature, such as the beauty of flora and fauna, which have been shown to have a positive impact on our mental health.
Flowers: a remedy for stress
Spring is the season of flowers. Trees, bushes and meadows are adorned with bright colors and marvelous scents. According to a study by Dr. Haviland-Jones, the mere sight of flowers can reduce stress and anxiety.
Flowers have a beneficial effect on mental health. The study published by Rutgers University showed that people who have flowers in their homes have a better mood and are more creative than those who do not.
The study mentions:
“The results show that flowers are a natural and healthy moderator of moods.
1. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed "genuine" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary joy and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
2. Flowers have a long-term positive effect on mood. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of pleasure and life satisfaction.
3. Flowers create intimate bonds. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
"Common sense tells us flowers make us happy," Dr. Haviland-Jones said. "Now science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we think, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well-being."
Seasonal foods: full of good things
Spring is also the season for fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are in season have a stronger taste and are often richer in nutrients than those grown in greenhouses or imported from abroad.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are also more affordable because they don't require as much transport and storage as fruits.