Why do I always feel restless in spring?

I often feel restless in spring, too. It's usually an excited sort of restlessness, and I think it's because I know summer is coming up — a time of year I associate with new things and waking up from a winter slump.

Lack Of Sunlight In Winter

I don't think I suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but I do tend to find that I have less energy and motivation during the colder, darker months.

If you consider that lack of sunlight is thought to be linked to SAD, then it would make sense that as soon as the days start getting longer, you start to get your energy back and anticipate the lighter days to come. I think this makes me restless because I'm looking forward to having more energy and enthusiasm again!

Even if you don't suffer from SAD, it's still true that vitamin D (the vitamin we get from sunlight) has an effect on our mental health, mood, and energy levels.

In spring, we start to get more sunlight, and so our bodies get more vitamin D. You could be interpreting this springtime energy-boost as restlessness — just enjoy it, and channel that restless feeling into something positive!

If you find yourself day dreaming as soon as the frost turns to dew, you maybe suffering with a case of "Spring Fever".

Spring Fever is that restless feeling inside where you suddenly feel revitalised, energetic, yearning for passion and that 'something' you can't quite qualify.

Spring Fever is just like SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and the sudden change of weather has a very tangible physiological impact on the human body.

Biologically, in springtime the following things happen:-

• Increase in serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness in the body.
• Decrease in melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleepiness
• Increase of endorphins and hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, which would explain a sudden increase of energy and sexual appetite.

All these things are affected by the sudden increase of sunlight during the warmer months.

While Spring Fever is not a medical condition, and it is certainly not a valid excuse for not going to work, some experts believe that the occasional personal day or, at the very least, time spent outside, will not only improve mental health, but could also increase productivity within the office.

So if you are feeling restless at your desk, try taking a walk outside. 

Or better yet, try to get out a little earlier and play with your children outside.  Your body is actually healthier in the warmer months due to an increase in exercise and the ingestion of fresh produce.

So keep an open mind about outdoor activities in the coming months, and if you are feeling a little more attracted to your spouse or loved one, embrace it - this is our body's way of telling us that summer is near!