Spring into Spring

The spring season can be a period of renewal for many people with its longer days and warmer weather. These seasonal changes can significantly improve mental health, enhancing a person’s well-being through increased sunlight, outdoor activities, and social interactions.

Increased Sunlight: Research has shown that increased exposure to sunlight improves mood and energy levels by increasing vitamin D in the body. The spring is also when symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) tend to improve, as a result of increased sunlight that is absent during the winter season (Hagan, 2022). Longer days and warmer weather also allow for more outdoor activities, further enhancing mood and reducing stress. More specifically, engaging in physical exercise outdoors provides significant mental and physical health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving our mood (Bee, 2025).

Outdoor Exercise: Did you know that exercising outside also improves our overall fitness? Outdoor workouts require more energy due to wind resistance and uneven grounds, resulting in greater improvements in fitness and muscle strength compared to indoor workouts. Mental health benefits include reduced anxiety, anger, and hostility, as well as enhanced energy and mood (Bee, 2025).

Social Connection: The warmer weather also provides more opportunities for social interactions. Engaging in outdoor events, festivals, and gatherings can foster a sense of community by strengthening social bonds, a protective factor for our mental health. Research has shown that positive social interactions have been linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and greater empathy (Government of Canada, 2022).

Outdoor Therapeutic Effect: The flowers blossoming and growing grass during the spring can also improve mental well- being! Studies have found that exposure to natural environments (stopping to smell the roses!) has been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, and increased memory. Spending time in nature, such as visiting parks, can serve as a calming effect, reducing mental fatigue, and improving attention (Jimenez et al., 2021).

Sleep Patterns: The increased daylight in spring helps regulate our circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep! Proper sleep is essential for our mental health, improving mood, energy levels, and cognition. Spending time outside promotes healthy melatonin production, improving our ability to fall and stay asleep. Improved sleep quality contributes to reduced stress and a more positive outlook, enhancing overall mental well-being (Burns, 2022).

In conclusion, the arrival of spring brings multiple benefits that can positively influence a person’s mental health. Increased sunlight exposure, opportunities for outdoor physical activities, enhanced social interactions, and the therapeutic effects of nature collectively contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and overall psychological well-being. Embracing the seasonal shift and engaging with the natural environment can lead to a more fulfilling and mentally healthy life.

Wondering how you can get into nature this spring season? Try the following activities:

1. Take a walk around the neighbourhood

2. Plant a garden

3. Attend an outdoor festival

4. Have your morning coffee outside

5. Read a book at a park

References:

https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/outdoor-workout-make-you-fitter-exercises-hcd95v0rm?utm_source=chatgpt.com&region=global

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/news/regional-news/western-sentinel/2022/06/get-outside-and-socialize.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/202203/5-ways-boost-your-mental-health spring#:~:text=A%20sense%20of%20renewal%2C%20light%2C%20and%20growth,be%20a%20great%20form%20of%20physical%20movement

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34488088/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8125471/