Every year, I feel a little restless when spring arrives.
I often experience ups and downs in my mood and feel more tired than usual.
In Japan, spring has long been known as the season of “kono-me-doki,” a time when the buds of trees begin to sprout. Traditionally, it is also considered a time when the autonomic nervous system can become more easily unsettled.
Today, I’d like to share some simple habits that help me feel a little more comfortable during this time of year.
Why Does the Autonomic Nervous System Tend to Become Unsettled in Spring?
There are several possible reasons:
- Daily temperature fluctuations and large differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures
- Changes in atmospheric pressure caused by high- and low-pressure systems frequently moving through
- Increased liver activity
- Changes in our environment
When you look at these factors, you can see that spring is a season full of change.
Our bodies are working hard to keep up with all these changes.
As a result, the sympathetic nervous system may become more dominant, which can lead to increased energy expenditure.
This may be one reason why we tend to feel sleepy or tired in spring.
So, here are the things I try to keep in mind during this season!
Habit ① Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard
The most important thing is simply not to overdo it.
You might be thinking:
“But the new school or work year is so busy!”
“I’m barely keeping up with all the changes in my daily life!”
“I don’t have time to worry about feeling unwell in spring!”
I can almost hear you saying it.
But I think the first thing we should consider is:
“How can I do less?”
If you try to work when you’re exhausted, you’ll probably be less efficient and more likely to make mistakes.
And when you try to do housework while you’re tired, you may become irritable and end up taking it out on your family.
You’re already feeling unsettled enough as it is. If the atmosphere at home becomes tense too, that can make you feel even more exhausted.
So why not simply give yourself permission to slow down a little in spring?
It may actually make everything go more smoothly.
Habit ② Adjust Your Clothes Frequently
To cope with the changing temperatures from day to day—and even within the same day—I try to adjust my clothing as needed.
Of course, changing clothes or carrying an extra layer can be surprisingly annoying!
You might think:
“I don’t want to carry extra stuff, so I’ll just put up with being a little chilly in the evening.”
Or:
“It’s a bit hot, but I can’t be bothered taking this off, so I’ll just leave it.”
But making small adjustments can make things much easier on your body.
In traditional Japanese health practices, spring is also associated with increased liver activity, which is thought to make heat rise more easily toward the upper body.
So I think it’s helpful to keep in mind:
Cooler upper body, warmer lower body.
This is known in Japanese as “zukan sokunetsu,” or “cool head and warm feet.”
Keeping the head cool and the feet warm is traditionally said to help support a balanced autonomic nervous system and promote concentration, restful sleep, and relaxation.
Spring can actually be surprisingly chilly, so it’s also important to avoid letting your lower body get too cold.
I usually wear cotton tights underneath my pants.
Just that one extra layer makes a big difference in keeping my lower body warm.
Habit ③ Get Enough Sleep
When it comes to recovering from fatigue, sleep comes first.
Taking a bath before bed or doing some gentle stretching can make it easier to fall asleep.
Eating a light dinner is another little trick that can help you get deeper sleep.
It’s also a good idea to keep your use of electronic devices at night to a reasonable level.
Get plenty of sunlight and stay active during the day, then get a good night’s sleep.
You don’t necessarily need to do anything complicated or special.
Habit ④ Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
I try to eat three balanced meals a day.
Foods such as green leafy vegetables, shellfish, and foods with sour or bitter flavors are traditionally considered helpful for supporting the liver.
I also try not to eat too much oil or too many animal-based foods, as these can put extra strain on the liver.
I think it’s a good idea to simply keep in mind:
Be kind to your liver. 😊
Habit ⑤ Get Moderate Exercise
In spring, it is traditionally considered beneficial to wake up early, get some morning sunlight, and move your body at a relaxed pace.
Deep breathing, walking, and stretching are all great options.
Moving your body moderately can help improve circulation and also provide a healthy way to relieve stress.
In Conclusion
So, what did you think?
I’ve shared five things you can try, and I’d be happy if you found even one that you could incorporate into your everyday life.
It may also be important not to fill your schedule too much, so that you can leave yourself enough physical and emotional space.
Take good care of both your mind and body, and enjoy all that spring has to offer!
Thank you, as always, for reading. 😊