Wellbeing Wednesdays week 19 – Put a spring back into your step and smile!

Sunday 20th March marks the first day of spring, when the days are longer, the sun shines brighter and nature starts to bloom. I don’t know about you, but just reading that sentence makes me smile and instantly feel happier.

This week we look at how the change in season has an impact on our wellbeing.

Longer daylight hours

Longer hours of daylight triggers the release of serotonin, which is the chemical that makes us feel happier. So, take a step outside, or even stick your head out of the window, and you may find yourself in a better frame of mind because Spring has sprung.

Get outdoors

The milder temperatures encourage us to get outside more often: whether that be a walk or doing a bit of gardening.

Getting outside makes us become more active, which releases feel-good endorphins. Personally, I find these feelings addictive and find myself getting outside more and more, just to experience the feeling.

Tick Tock

The body’s internal body clock, which controls the body’s circadian rhythm (the 24-hour cycles of the body), is affected directly by bright light.

We can distinguish night and day easier when the mornings get lighter, which encourages us to have a better routine and, therefore, helps us sleep better.

Vitamins

Sunlight triggers your body to produce vitamin D, which keeps your bones strong and muscles healthy.

When the days are shorter and darker, it’s difficult to get enough natural sun exposure to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D during winter. Studies show that 10 minutes outside will give you your daily adequate amount of vitamin D.

Say goodbye to winter blues

Believe it or not, “winter blues” can trigger not only low moods, but can affect energy levels, sleep, eating and social behaviour.

However, as soon as we get access to prolonged access to daylight, fresh air, time with friends and family outdoors (when restrictions allow) we start to feel the benefits.

So now that spring is in the air step outside admire the nature and colours around you and realise the instant relaxation it brings to you. Put a spring in your step and into your smile and enjoy the season. With it, we hope it brings new hope.

Remember: Be safe, be kind and enjoy the season.

Share your ideas and experiences

We want you to share your ideas and stories with us too. Please email your stories, ideas, videos and photos to boxinmind@englandboxing.org, or share on your social media using the hash tag #EBWellbeingWednesdays

Find out more

You can discover more by going to the England Boxing Mental Health website page and also find ideas to keep fit physically on our Stay Active page.