Yay! I am pretty sure that spring is going to come again this year. My little tulips and daffodils are sticking their heads up ( too soon, I know), out of the dirt in my garden. Megan says the same. Flowers are such good therapy! So is sunshine – such a boost. Speaking of which, do you get the blues when it’s cloudy and gray? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be the culprit. Or if you are a long-term, on-the-border depressive, gray days don’t help much, do they?
I have several things to say about spring and mood. And here they are:
- SAD light therapy lamps help; it’s true for those with SAD. But if you don’t have one just be aware of light. Every time the sun comes out from under the clouds, go outside or stand in a window and give yourself a big dose – but not too long so as not to burn.
Solution: Refuse to give into it – wear bright clothes on cloudy days, listen to happy music, whistle, talk out loud to yourself. In other words, fight back!
- As spring blows in there may be another problem – Allergies! In the spring, everything starts growing and guess what? They all shower the world with pollen, Okay, I know that you already knew this. They can cause runny eyes and stopped up noses. But did you know that they can also affect your mood?
If you find that you are more anxious or fatigued in the spring or fall, allergies might be the reason. That’s right – allergies! Who knew?
- So let’s take a look at which plants are spreading that pollen the most. According to WebMD, flowers with the most pollen production like chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, goldenrod and ordinary sunflowers are among the worst. Flowering shrubs, grass and tree pollen are also in that category and those are the ones that are starting to come out of hibernation.
- But that’s not all – allergens can also cause disrupted sleep cycles. And when you are tired, you may also be grumpier than usual. My point? If your mood is related to allergies, then good news! It will go away at some point. Plus there are loads of over-the-counter allergy medications on the market that might help.
- This time of year, I see an increase in clients suffering the blahs. It seems that everyone is waiting for spring and according to the calendar it is still a ways to go. But why wait? Here’s a few tips to help you jump ahead of spring but keep in mind that if you are having allergy issues, some of these will not work for you and you may just need to consult your doctor.
Tips from Dr. O
- Flowers can be a way to lift those spirits especially on a gray dreary day. I love to stop by one of our local florists just to walk among the flowers in this cozy shop. Why don’t you try it? Absolutely Flowers here in Hutchinson is a paradise of good cheer and here is what is happening now.
How about it? Feeling better already? Keep in mind that these displays are made of silk flowers.
Flowers are the best therapy in my books!
You may not have a local florist or if you do, you may not want to take the time to swing by just to smell the flowers. But how about the grocery store? How many times a week are you stopping by there?
- When I am at the grocery store, I will swing by the florist department and do the same – soak it in- and sometimes I will pick up the flowers in the clearance tub.
- On an open afternoon, it’s good to take a stroll through your local greenhouse and pick up something that’s in bloom or just smell the smell of spring.
- Here are pictures from my greenhouse.
My begonias are peeking outside waiting for spring.
- Greenery breathes while it grows in my greenhouse listening to music and being showered with 24-hour light. I love to just stand in there and soak it up.
- I am a big fan of flowers – fresh and silk flowers too. I spread them all over my home and office and they brighten up my environment. They are happiness agents. And sometimes it just takes tuning in.
Yay! Spring is coming – once again! Sometimes just knowing it is on the way is enough and sometimes you just need to talk to someone. There are other reasons for feeling moody or tired or dull in the spring besides gray skies overhead and allergies. In that case, come on in to our cozy office and settle in. We are here for you.
Dr. O
And thanks to; Absolutely Flowers, Dillons, and Stutuzmans Greenhouse for allowing these pictures to be taken.
therapyforhealthyliving.com 