"春困", in English can be called "spring fatigue", "spring lethargy", or "spring fever".

Even Meng Haoran, the great poet of the Tang Dynasty, had a lot to say about "spring fatigue".             Translation by Xu Yuanchong

A Spring Morning

This morn of spring in bed I'm lying,

Not woke up till I heard birds crying.

After one night of wind and showers,

How many are the fallen flowers!

 

Spring fatigue, also known as spring lethargy, refers to a state of fatigue, lowered energy, or depression, associated with the onset of spring. Such a state may be caused by a normal reaction to warmer temperatures.

 

The balance adjustment of the hormone within the human body may play a role in springtime lethargy. The body's reserves of the "happiness hormone" serotonin, whose production depends on daylight, become exhausted over the winter, making it especially easy for the "sleep hormone" melatonin to have its effect. When the days become longer in springtime, the body readjusts its hormone levels. This changeover puts a heavy strain on the body, which responds with a feeling of tiredness.

Experts say that spring lethargy is a physiological phenomenon involving seasonal and temperature changes and the body’s own regulation. Besides not resting well, spring lethargy could be a warning sign of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, or diabetes.

In addition, not getting enough sleep, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and other bad habits, are also linked to cardiovascular diseases. If you engage in any of these habits and notice increased springtime lethargy, it may be a warning sign that you should seek medical help.

Tips to cope with spring fatigue

More protein and fruits, less greasy food

Modern research finds that sleepiness in spring is usually accompanied by insufficient protein, vitamins, and an imbalance of internal acid. To feel light and alert, eat more food that is high in protein, such as salmon and eggs; rich in vitamins, such as citrus, lemon and fresh vegetables. Greasy foods and alcohol will have the reverse effect.

Get some fresh air

 

Make sure that air flows properly in your office and bedroom. Bad airflow will lead to insufficient oxygen, which will affect the brain's performance. Also, go outdoors to get close to nature.

Drink enough water

       

Try to always have a bottle of water next to you, as it can help to eliminate accumulated toxins and help to fight spring fatigue. You can also add slices of lemon to ginger it up and make it vitamin-rich.

Don't sleep more, exercise more

    

Eight hours of sleep is usually enough for adults. Getting longer sleep may reduce activity in the cerebral cortex, making people sleepier. Instead, slightly increase the level of your physical activity, which will help to send more oxygen to the brain, making us feel awake and energetic. Aerobic exercises, such as jogging, swimming, and rope skipping, are recommended.