I’m loving April so far — it’s been all things bright and beautiful which will have many of us bursting into song — it’s the kind of weather that brings with it encouragement and motivation.
However, have you heard of the phenomenon that is called ‘spring fatigue’? Is that perhaps how you have been feeling? If it is don’t worry, you won’t be on
your own, so let’s have a look at what it can mean.
Embracing the Slow Bloom
So Spring. what have you got for us? The days get longer, the flowers bloom, and the world feels a little lighter. But what if you don’t feel like a freshly blossomed daffodil bursting with energy? What if, instead, you feel like you’re still stuck in hibernation mode — tired, sluggish, and a bit overwhelmed? If that sounds familiar, welcome to the very
real (and perfectly normal) phenomenon known as spring fatigue.
Why can Spring feel so draining? Spring is usually all about new beginnings, but that transition can be tough. We are just used to our bodies and minds moving at a slower, cosier pace of winter — hibernation mode.
Then boom ... or should I say bloom (!) — we are bombarded by longer days, brighter light, and the expectation to spring into action. It’s a bit like being thrown out of bed when
actually still feeling groggy and half asleep.
On top of that, the change in daylight can disrupt sleep patterns, allergies can flare up, and the pressure to "get moving" can feel like too much, too soon. It’s okay if your body isn’t quite ready to swap hot chocolate for green smoothies just yet.
This is where mindfulness can work its magic. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s easy to get caught up in the mental clutter — thinking we “should” be more
energetic or productive. But mindfulness invites us to slow down, accept how we feel, and meet ourselves where we are.
This is something I have been chatting about all week in the JTP Zone Facebook group, and we can just close our eyes, take a deep breath and notice how we are feeling without judgement. Maybe there is tiredness, maybe there is a touch of resistance — whatever it is, it’s ok to acknowledge it and give yourself permission to feel what you
feel.
So here are some practical tips to ease Spring fatigue:
- Try some gentle movement with a Pilates session or some mindful stretching which helps to awaken the body without overwhelming it
- Now for some deep belly breathing — inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four and hold for four. This is a breathing technique to calm the mind but also energise the body
- Choose seasonal nourishment, with fresh foods where
possible, but don’t guilt yourself for craving some comfort food — balance of both is the key
- Finally, listen to your body. If you need rest, take it — spring is a season of growth, but even flowers don’t bloom overnight.
Allow yourself to embrace the slow bloom, Spring doesn’t demand instant transformation, it’s a gentle invitation to wake up, stretch and slowly let yourself bloom, just like those lovely spring flowers.
If you
aren’t feeling like a burst of sunshine just yet, that is ok. Take your time, breathe deeply and know that it’s perfectly fine to move at your own pace. We can’t all be daffodils, but with a little mindfulness, and a lot of kindness to ourselves, we can bloom beautifully in our own time.
Have a great week — keep looking, moving and feeling good.
With love
Jane xx
