As my grandchildren might say, “Spring fever? It’s a thing!” It is real and, despite not having official standing as a medical or psychological diagnosis, you and I know that it’s a thing!
“This weather is so nice. Do I really have to go to work?
Why can’t I wear shorts, a tee shirt, and sandals today. It is supposed to get all the way up to 50 degrees?
I know I need to mow the grass, but where do you want to go for vacation this Summer?
No thanks, I am not hungry. I think I will just take a walk in the park over my lunch hour.
Note to self, stop day dreaming and get back to work!
For most folks, Spring Fever is a brief period when we are easily distracted from responsibilities, especially when the weather is warming. We feel drawn outside. It is a “Stop and smell the flowers” kind of feeling.
Generally, this “fever” passes in time and we return to our usual routines. However, we may have to deal with a missed deadline, a sunburn, or sore muscles before we get back on track. At best it is a minor affliction.
For some, however, it can be more serious. When it begins to seriously impact our health, it becomes a form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Generally, this comes in the Fall and Winter when the Sunshine is scarce and we become depressed. But Psychologists also recognize a Spring and Summer version. The symptoms may include trouble sleeping, poor appetite, weight loss, and agitation or anxiety. Some theorize that it grows out of an inability to enjoy a season that seems to make everyone else feel better. People experiencing grief or unsettling changes in their loves may experience this as well as those who may be having health, relationship, or other challenges. This can be quite serious and should be addressed by a mental health professional.
But most of us experience the milder and more common “Spring Fever” of story and song. If you find yourself longing to be outside, lounging on a beach soaking up some rays, or simply day dreaming of what life could be, then enjoy your fever. Let it help you adjust to the season of new life that surrounds you. Enjoy and celebrate the gifts it brings.
“This weather is so nice. Do I really have to go to work?
Why can’t I wear shorts, a tee shirt, and sandals today. It is supposed to get all the way up to 50 degrees?
I know I need to mow the grass, but where do you want to go for vacation this Summer?
No thanks, I am not hungry. I think I will just take a walk in the park over my lunch hour.
Note to self, stop day dreaming and get back to work!
For most folks, Spring Fever is a brief period when we are easily distracted from responsibilities, especially when the weather is warming. We feel drawn outside. It is a “Stop and smell the flowers” kind of feeling.
Generally, this “fever” passes in time and we return to our usual routines. However, we may have to deal with a missed deadline, a sunburn, or sore muscles before we get back on track. At best it is a minor affliction.
For some, however, it can be more serious. When it begins to seriously impact our health, it becomes a form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Generally, this comes in the Fall and Winter when the Sunshine is scarce and we become depressed. But Psychologists also recognize a Spring and Summer version. The symptoms may include trouble sleeping, poor appetite, weight loss, and agitation or anxiety. Some theorize that it grows out of an inability to enjoy a season that seems to make everyone else feel better. People experiencing grief or unsettling changes in their loves may experience this as well as those who may be having health, relationship, or other challenges. This can be quite serious and should be addressed by a mental health professional.
But most of us experience the milder and more common “Spring Fever” of story and song. If you find yourself longing to be outside, lounging on a beach soaking up some rays, or simply day dreaming of what life could be, then enjoy your fever. Let it help you adjust to the season of new life that surrounds you. Enjoy and celebrate the gifts it brings.
TIPS
Be Present to the Season – Let it be exactly what it is. We may regret that it is not moving quickly enough. We may be so distracted by other concerns that it comes and goes with little notice. So, let the season surround you just as it is, unhindered by our desires that it be something else.
Listen carefully – Listen to your inner responses to it. Does it disturb or inspire you? Does it spur memories or dreams? Does it encourage you to engage or withdraw from it? Let your responses to it teach you about yourself.
Celebrate – Receive its gifts with gratitude.
Springtime slips into our lives slowly and fades far too quickly. Let it reawaken your body-mind-soul to possibilities and opportunities.
Listen carefully – Listen to your inner responses to it. Does it disturb or inspire you? Does it spur memories or dreams? Does it encourage you to engage or withdraw from it? Let your responses to it teach you about yourself.
Celebrate – Receive its gifts with gratitude.
Springtime slips into our lives slowly and fades far too quickly. Let it reawaken your body-mind-soul to possibilities and opportunities.
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