• Have you found yourself lately daydreaming about being at the beach?
• Are you having urges to clean your house? Organize your clothes or closets?
• Do you feel happier? Find yourself smiling, whistling, being nice for no apparent reason?

If you said 'yes' to any of the above questions, you may have Spring Fever. But don't worry, it's not fatal.  But it DOES exist. Each year, millions of people across the Northern Hemisphere begin to feel more energized, upbeat and sexually active, if somewhat distracted.

Quite honestly, Spring Fever is ill-defined. One way to think of it is as the beginning of the end of the winter blues. The turning point is the spring equinox which occurs this coming Sunday, the 20th. After that, people start to have higher energy levels, decreased sleep, reduced eating and an ease in depression.

Scientists report that though many believe it is just a psychological response, there is increasing evidence that it is also physiological. One theory is that the increasing intensity and longevity of sunlight is somehow measured by the brain. This information is then transmitted to the pineal gland in the base of the brain. The teeny tiny pineal gland secretes a single hormone----melatonin---which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and regulates certain reproductive hormones. Its production is determined by light and dark detection. Light exposure stops the release of melatonin, and in turn, this helps us to stay awake.   

So understanding why you have Spring Fever is one thing. What should you DO about it?  Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Get Outside

Usually during the winter months we have an undeniable urge to curl up in a blanket and drink hot chocolate every night. Now that the weather is getting warmer, there is no excuse to hibernating indoors.  Think about taking a walk, or if you love riding your bike, get out and take a spin!  If you're lucky enough to live near a planned garden, make a visit. Stop and smell the flowers! 

2.  Start a New Project

A sense of accomplishment can help a restless mind. So think about a new project or maybe finishing an old one. Crossing something off your "to do" list or doing something that makes you happy and feel accomplished can give your mental well being a huge boost.

3.  Go on a Vacation

Not that you need an excuse to take a vacation but taking a break from your normal routine can be a great way to get rid of the Spring Fever bug. Now if you're an accountant and its tax time, maybe this isn't a great time of year to leave for Cancun. But you can still think about going away for a weekend to a nearby resort or even taking a day trip with a picnic lunch!

4. Volunteer

There are plenty of non-profit organizations who could use your help. If you are already supporting local groups, check out their websites or call to see if they are in need of any extra support. It can feel good to help someone. 

And if none of these suggestions resonate with you, you can always utilize the tried and true measures of taking care of yourself---eating a healthy, balanced diet made up of lots of fresh fruits and veggies, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting exposure to sunlight and being mindful of stress.  Though maybe not as much fun as going on a vacation, it will make you feel good overall.