Is Spring Fever a Real Thing?

Americans are restless by the time spring rolls around. As the weather warms up, we’re all chomping at the bit to get outside and enjoy some sunny weather. The springtime offers you better conditions than the blazing heat of the summer, and we all want to make the most of it before the summer arrives.

The term Spring Fever describes a shift in mood and activity levels caused by changing circadian rhythms and exposure to more sunlight. While not a medical condition, some symptoms—such as restlessness, fatigue, and mild flu-like symptoms—can overlap with common seasonal health concerns that may require a visit to an urgent care clinic.

Who Came Up with the Concept of Spring Fever?

No one knows who coined the expression, spring fever. Originally, the term was associated with our changing emotions, not the changing seasons. Many poets used the term to describe their changing emotional state. As spring arrives, new life emerges in the garden, and the birds return from their winter migration. It’s a time of increased activity and renewed hope for the rest of the year ahead.

What are the Signs of Spring Fever?

Spring triggers noticeable changes in mood, energy, and daily habits. However, some of these symptoms may indicate health concerns that could benefit from a quick visit to an urgent care clinic.

Feeling Energetic

Maybe it’s the increasing daytime temperatures or the extra vitamin D from the sun penetrating your skin. People with spring fever feel more energetic about life when the season arrives.

Sleeping Less & Eating Lighter

When spring rolls around, people find themselves eating lighter and sleeping less. The seasonal fruits arrive at the grocery store, and the longer daylight hours extend your circadian rhythms, getting you up earlier in the morning while keeping you awake at night. Exposure to more sunlight reduces the melatonin produced by the brain-altering your natural sleep and waking patterns.

Smiling & Happy Feelings

All the extra Vitamin D and sunlight during the day cast away the seasonal depression (SAD) people feel in the wintertime. However, seasonal transitions can also lead to mood swings or irritability in some individuals. For those experiencing persistent mood fluctuations, a visit to an urgent care clinic can help address potential vitamin deficiencies or other health concerns.

The Desire to Get in Shape

Most people see spring as a sign that spring break is around the corner. They have the desire to lose the “winter weight belt” and get back into shape for the coming summer months.

Feeling of Romance

The extra sunlight in the springtime not only affects our vitamin D and melatonin production. It also affects all the biological and hormonal systems in our bodies. Our mood improves, and we’re ready to find a partner to spend the summer with.

Taking Up New Hobbies

With the days warming up, you want to get out into the fresh air and find something to do. Take up a physical activity, like riding a bicycle, or start a journal, spending a few hours writing on the porch in good weather.

Scatterbrained & Unfocused

With the thought of more activities on your mind and the summer fun ahead, you might find it harder to concentrate and focus at work.

Sensations of Claustrophobia

When you look out of the window and see sunshine and green grass instead of a gloomy sky and snowscapes, you’ll want to get out of the house and do something.

The Urge to Spring Clean

You might have the urge to cast off the winter blues and clean out your house. That’s why people have a “spring cleaning session” as they prepare to invite people over to their homes to enjoy the summer. Spring is about renewal, and what better way to celebrate it than by cleaning your home from top to bottom?

Can Spring Fever Cause Negative Emotions?

For some unfortunate people that love the cold and the grey winter skies, spring can have the opposite effect on their psychology. They might experience “Springtime lethargy,” a type of seasonal depression causing fatigue and feelings of depression.

Some people might feel that they’re waiting for spring to arrive to wake them up from a depressed state. When it does roll around, and they don’t feel any better, they might feel let down as their expectations don’t materialize in their life.

Urgent Care Omaha Walk-In Clinics and in Bellevue, NE

The arrival of spring also brings seasonal allergies, sinus infections, and common colds. Increased exposure to pollen, temperature shifts, and springtime flu-like symptoms may require a visit to an urgent care center.

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