2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Chantal Prescod)
The first official day of Spring 2025 is Thursday, March 20th. As winter fades and spring takes over, something shifts — not just in nature, but in us. The days get longer, it is warmer, and suddenly, many of us feel this change.
Science confirms that this seasonal change isn’t just in our heads. Daylight-saving time can throw us off temporarily, our bodies are designed to adapt as long as we give them the right tools. Dr.
Jason Au, a vascular health expert at the University of Waterloo, says that “it might take a few days, but the transition is worth it. The extra daylight and warmth are signals for us to get outside, move more, and take advantage of the season’s natural energy boost.” Increased daylight activates and increases our serotonin and, as a result, we are left feeling more upbeat and motivated.
Dr. Au adds that “the extra daylight affects our brain chemistry — as we get more daylight, our circadian rhythms realign, improving sleep patterns and make us feel more energized throughout the day.” Frank Seglenieks, a co-ordinator from the University of Waterloo Weather Station, says that “we often underestimate how much temperature affects how we feel.
After months of cold and darkness, just a little extra warmth and light can make a huge difference.” Spring’s extended daylight hours play a key role in boosting energy and mood. The World Health Organization states that “sunlight also helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which has been linked to better moods, increased immunity, and even reduced symptoms of seasonal depression.
” Seglenieks says “that extra light is a big signal to our bodies and minds to wake up and get moving.” Beyond just changes in higher temperatures, spring’s warmth has direct effects on circulation and physical health. “Your body literally shifts out of ‘hibernation mode’ and in spring, your cardiovascular system functions more efficiently, reducing strain, and naturally increasing energy levels.
” Dr. Au explains, adding that “as the temperature rises, blood vessels expand, improving circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain. This reduces fatigue and stiffness, making physical activity feel easier and more enjoyable.
” If you have been feeling more energized, happier, and excited to be outdoors enjoying the sunlight after 5 p.m., you are not alone.
“The mental shift we experience in spring isn’t just about the weather — it’s about the body responding to an ancient, built-in seasonal rhythm,” says Dr. Au. “We are wired to sync with the natural world, and when spring arrives, it’s like a switch flips.
” We often hear the references to the sayings “spring cleaning” as a sense of renewal and an energized feeling. For some of us, spring is a time where nature hits the reset button from winter to realign our bodies and give us a renewed sense of being in the great outdoors. Whether it’s soaking in the morning sun, enjoying a walk at any time, or simply feeling more motivated, embracing the season’s changes can set the tone for a healthier rhythm and refreshed version of yourself.
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