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Ah - Spring Is Here

  • Writer: Patricia Faust
    Patricia Faust
  • Mar 11, 2022
  • 2 min read


The onset of the seasons reminds us how tuned in our body and brain are to nature. In a little over a week, the northern hemisphere will enjoy the vernal equinox on March 20th. Spring fever strikes: there is a change in our mood, we feel happier, amorous, restless and a bit distracted. Even after the spring time change an increase of daylight can help our circadian rhythms get back on track. We sleep better at night and are more alert during the day.


Although it has been cold, icy, and snowy in my part of the world, daffodils and crocuses are still popping up. It is such a relief to see those early spring flowers because it gives us an emotional lift and allows us to imagine the warm days that are ahead. Just like these plants and hibernating animals, we are also attuned to the seasonal change. Increased daylight in Spring is detected by our eyes and triggers our brain’s pineal gland. This is a pea-sized area of the brain that responds by reducing the secretion of melatonin – the hormone that regulates our daily biological clocks and is important for controlling mood and energy levels. As the days lengthen, melatonin levels drop, and we become more energized.


More daylight can also release signals in your brain that boost your mood. Serotonin levels have been found to be increasing in relevant parts of the brain. The receptive neurons, starved of serotonin through the winter months are now flooded with this neurotransmitter, which is known to be important for mood regulation.


It is also reported that there are changes in the size of the hippocampus with the different seasons. The hippocampus is the center of learning and memory, as well as controls mood. A 2015 study examined how the size of the hippocampus related to shorter or longer days. A correlation was established between hippocampus volume and seasonal variations in mood – the shorter the day, the smaller the hippocampus.


It is no coincidence that we are a little friskier this time of year. Romance is on our mind. Our brains naturally produce more dopamine this time of year – the hormone triggered by new experiences. All our senses are heightened by the start of spring – the warmth of the sun, bright colors and scents, the sounds of the birds. These experiences give us a dopamine hit, making us more susceptible to love. That in turn triggers testosterone production. It has been documented that the testosterone rise in men in the summer gets its start in the spring.


After a long, difficult winter, it is such a gift to be open to the treasures of spring.


References:

Feel that spring in your step! (May 1, 2020). Retrieved from https://researchfeatures.com/feel-that-spring-in-your-step/#:~:text=Increased daylight in spring is controlling mood and energy levels.


Manning-Schaffel, V. (May 13, 2018). This is your brain on spring fever. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/pop-culture/your-brain-spring-fever-ncna873106


Wallace, D. Your mind changes with the seasons. Retrieved from https://www.printfriendly.com/p/g/xaVNVy







 
 
 

Comments

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March was an unusual month for me.  Normally I work on articles, give presentations and generally just stay tuned to what is going on in the field of aging.  This month I “learned” a lot.  Last year I learned how to write a book.  At the time I took the course I thought it would just be a natural extension of all the writing I had done over the years.  WRONG!!  The actual writing of the book was the easy part.  Putting it together into a book was difficult for me.  The course gave me step by step lessons on constructing a book.  Then editing and formatting were just as challenging.  On June 7 last year the book was published!  It was one of the most satisfying days of my writing career. 

Naturally, when you self-publish, you do not have a publisher promoting the book and getting it in the right categories for best sales on Amazon.  That was crushing because I really didn’t know to appropriately market it.  I am a brain health person!  In December of last year, I purchased a marketing program that is based on statistics.  I am technical minded and so this approach made sense to me.  The course is almost completed.  Can’t wait to see if it improves sales!

The next step I am looking at is recording an audiobook.  This is another venture I knew nothing about.  But I am already tagged on Facebook for marketing of audio book programs.  Facebook picks up everything.  Now my husband was creative director for an advertising agency and when I told him I purchased another class – he couldn’t believe it.  “This was my business.  I know how to do recordings, why didn’t you ask me?” Well, I knew he was an expert in that business, but this audiobook needs to meet all the criteria that Amazon requires for publication.  So, he can take care of the recording part of this audiobook, and I will navigate the process of meeting Amazon’s requirements.  We worked on the book together like this. 

Then I talked with some coaching experts on the viability of starting group teaching programs.  Reading The Boomer Brain book and implementing the Brain Healthy Lifestyle have two entirely different outcomes.  This lifestyle is important to maintaining high cognitive function throughout the later years of our lives.  Look for updates as to when I will roll this program out.

My last learning endeavor was attending a two-day bootcamp for Speakers.  I am really excited about what I learned there.  That is a late this year or next year project, but it is one I am really looking forward to.

 

What Is Happening in April?

The American Society on Aging is having their annual conference in Orlando Florida April 21-24.  This is the largest multidisciplinary conference on aging and the annual conference for Members of ASA.  I have attended a number of these conferences throughout the years, and it is consequential.  Keynote speakers and special events are focused on combating ageism in our society.  Although this is a professional meeting, the attendees come from all aspects of aging services.  They have their work cut out for them this year!

April is Stress Awareness Month.  We should be aware of stress every month and understand how we can break the stress cycle.  These are stressful times, and we need to protect ourselves

Here is a positive one “April is National Volunteer Month”.  When I am working with new retirees who don’t know what to do, I talk to them about volunteering. It is important to have a purpose after you leave the workforce.  There are so many nonprofits who need help in all aspects of their organizations.  It is a perfect way to give back.

Finally – It was Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds – the oldest major league team in the nation.  Cincinnati takes that responsibility seriously.  There is always an Opening Day Parade through downtown to the Ball Park.  Huge crowds line the streets and every year there is talk of making it an official holiday.  Schools and employers look the other way when there is an empty desk.  No matter what the outcome of the game is, there is so much joy, and you can feel that energy.  I am fortunate that I get to experience that.  We all need some joy right now. 

Enjoy your April.

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