If you expected to be in a better mood this spring because of the sun and warm days, but instead you feel tired and depressed for no reason, then you probably have spring fatigue syndrome.
Did you know that every other person feels sluggish at this time of year? Lack of strength, endless yawning, and concentration problems are common symptoms. Who is the culprit? The weather? Hormones? Diet or stress?
While we drag ourselves slowly and wonder how to overcome spring fatigue, plants and animals all around us awaken with renewed energy. Before you think you are sick, stop. You are just going through a period of adjustment. Your body simply needs to pull itself out of winter hibernation.
How to deal with typical spring fatigue and feel better? What strategies and vitamins and minerals should you adopt to regain your energy and good mood? We talk about it in the text below.
Why does spring fatigue occur and what are the symptoms?
After long, dark winter months, nature is not the only one experiencing the phenomenon of renewal. Our body also wakes up with the first signs of the sun and comes out of hibernation trying to adapt to a new rhythm.
The body is naturally exhausted because all winter it fought against the cold by coordinating thermoregulation, against attacks by bacteria and viruses, as well as against a heavy, fatty diet and a lack of sunlight. Our thyroid gland must quickly adapt hormone production, so the body suddenly lacks energy.
Hormonal imbalance: Serotonin vs. Melatonin
Winter, with its short days, has depleted our good mood hormone (serotonin) and increased our sleep hormone (melatonin). As the sun gets stronger and the day lasts longer, the body releases more serotonin, but the amount of melatonin in the blood is still high. This adaptation process cannot happen overnight, and it is exactly this "clash" of hormones that makes us lethargic and sleepy.
Recognize the symptoms of spring fatigue:
- You are tired when you wake up, you don't get up fresh.
- You are sleepy and yawn all day long.
- You have no motivation for everyday activities.
- You have reduced concentration and frequent headaches.
- You feel physical exhaustion and a lack of strength in your muscles.
When does it start and how long does it last?
Some people won't even feel spring fatigue, while others will experience symptoms as early as late February. More sensitive organisms can feel this condition intensely and for a long time, especially those who have been resting all winter without physical activities, with heavy food and the absence of vitamins C and D.
The good news is that this loss of form lasts at most a few weeks (usually mid-March and early April). It is important in spring to give back to the body what it lacked: sun, oxygen, and quality supplementation. Regular addition of adequate immunity preparations, especially those micronutrients that were not available in winter foods, will effectively balance your body's status and shorten the adjustment period.
How to beat spring fatigue: What to drink?
First of all, carry out a mild detox treatment for a few days to eliminate toxins accumulated during the winter. Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day, and excellent allies are green tea with lemon balm, freshly squeezed citrus fruits, and ginger.
The next step is to make up for the deficiencies from the winter diet. The primary energy boosters you must consume are:
- Vitamin D (crucial for immunity and mood)
- Vitamin B complex (nervous system and energy)
- Vitamin C and Zinc
- Iron and Magnesium
Best supplements for exhaustion and spring fatigue
If you cannot get enough through your diet, at Apoteka Online you can find targeted dietary supplements that quickly restore energy. We highlight the 3 most effective preparations:
1. Doppelherz Aktiv Magnesium 500 + B12 + D3
This is an ideal "3 in 1" preparation created specially to reduce fatigue and exhaustion. Magnesium relaxes muscles, vitamin B12 restores energy to the nervous system, while D3 boosts immunity and mood.
View product →2. Iron Direct sachets
If, in addition to fatigue, your skin is often pale and your hair is falling out, the cause may be mild anemia after winter. Iron in "direct" sachets is quickly absorbed, does not fall heavily on the stomach, and instantly reduces the feeling of sleepiness by allowing better oxygen flow through the body.
View product →3. Royal Jelly
A natural elixir for awakening the body. Royal jelly provides general stimulation of the metabolism, revitalizes energy, and drastically reduces the feeling of chronic fatigue, making it a perfect ally in the transition period.
View offer →
Pharmacist's advice
One of the key factors to combat exhaustion is quality sleep. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Do not skip the morning walk – exposing the retina of the eye to natural morning light signals the brain to stop secreting melatonin (sleep hormone) and wakes you up. In addition, physical activity secretes endorphins and dopamine, which instantly boost productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is spring fatigue a real disease?
No, it is not a disease or a clinical diagnosis, but a temporary syndrome and the body's natural reaction (hormonal imbalance) to changing seasons, changing temperatures, and day length.
2. Which vitamins do I lack the most in spring?
Due to the lack of sun during the winter, the body lacks Vitamin D3 the most. Also, a diet poor in fresh vegetables leads to a deficit of Vitamin C and B complex, which results in a drop in energy.