In general, sickness is not cause for celebration. In fact, the word tends to have a negative connotation when used in everyday communication. Spring Fever, however, does not fall into that category. Instead the ailment actually prompts partying, not pouting!
Having researched this seasonal sickness, I came to learn that there are varying viewpoints on what Spring Fever is and what causes it. In a poetic realm, Spring Fever is linked to sex drives and feelings of love. In the world of science, it is described as a positive suffering from heightened levels of energy, decreased need for sleep, lightened eating habits and reduced feelings of depression *.
Despite the different roots, both views point to a specific hormone as the leading cause of Spring Fever. That hormone is melatonin. "As light during the spring months increases, the body produces less melatonin, causing a lift in mood, a reduced desire to sleep and an increase in libido."
If you feel as though you are not yet suffering from Spring Fever, which could easily be the case considering the morning frost that continues to cover the Northeast, feel free to try these mood boosting activities:
1. Increase your exposure to natural light or take part in bright light therapy
2. Increase your physical activity, especially outdoors!
*There are instances where Spring Fever prompts lassitude, loneliness and hopelessness.
((Photo Source: http://www.lovelychicas.com/lifestyle-2/happy-spring/))
