Every year when spring arrives, something curious happens — but this year, it feels even more curious than before.
Part of me feels like I should be outside — waving airport-arrival-hall-style signs that say “Welcome back, storks!” or frolicking through meadows in search of the first primroses.
Or, if I’m being practical, tackling spring cleaning and putting away winter clothes.
Instead, I’m here… moving slowly, sipping my third coffee of the day, and wondering why my energy seems nowhere to be found.
I have to admit — this time around the spring slump has hit me harder than ever.
Normally, I expect a little sluggishness: a few nights of disrupted sleep, maybe a week of feeling like my brain is still operating on winter time.
But this year it feels… heavier.
Part of it is the winter of 2025–2026. It was a real beast here in Poland— long, cold, and full of wild snowstorm days that left the world gray and endless.
Months like that quietly drain your energy, and it seems my reserves are still trying to refill.
Then there’s my premenopausal body, which has its own opinions these days. Hormones are shifting, sleep becomes unpredictable, and my internal battery just doesn’t recharge as quickly as it used to.
And of course, the past few years of serious medical stress, combined with living with CIDP, have worn me down.
Chronic illness teaches patience, but it also reminds you that recovery doesn’t happen as quickly as it used to.
It’s no surprise that spring fatigue feels especially heavy this year — something many people with autoimmune or neurological conditions experience more intensely I guess.
So ok, that’s just me I figure – and in my case, it’s easy to chalk it up to my CIDP or my premenopausal body — I can rationalize it and just run with it.
If only it were that simple.
The truth is, I see it everywhere.
Everywhere I look, people are sluggish, moving a little slower than usual, their eyes tired, pale complexions still lingering from winter.
My elderly family members notice a drop in their fitness — even climbing the stairs seems to require a carefully thought-out plan — while my younger friends complain of brain fog, relentless tiredness, low moods, and random aches that appear out of nowhere.
Seeing this nationwide struggle made me realize: apparently, it’s my personal mission to tackle the problem, help people feel a little better again, and yes… that leaves me with no choice but to write this post about spring fatigue and how to reclaim our wellbeing.
It used to be that the wisest person in the village was usually the oldest. Those times are long gone, and sadly I don’t have a sage nearby to consult.
So I did what most of us do these days — I settled for the next best thing: the internet, obviously.
Here is what I found out
What Is Spring Fatigue? (Quick Answer)
Spring fatigue is a temporary drop in energy that occurs when the body adjusts from winter to longer, brighter spring days. Changes in daylight, hormone levels, physical activity, and nutrition can temporarily affect sleep, mood, and energy until the body adapts to the new season.
Common Symptoms of Spring Fatigue
Spring fatigue can affect people differently, but the most common symptoms include:
- persistent tiredness
- daytime sleepiness
- brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- low motivation
- irritability or mood swings
- headaches
- dizziness or sluggishness
The good news is that these symptoms are usually temporary and improve as the body adapts to seasonal changes.
Why Spring Fatigue Happens
Spring fatigue doesn’t have a single cause. It’s usually the result of several biological adjustments happening at the same time.
Changes in Daylight and Circadian Rhythm
One of the biggest drivers of spring fatigue is the sudden increase in daylight.
During winter, shorter days encourage the body to produce higher levels of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep.
As daylight increases in spring:
- melatonin production decreases
- serotonin levels rise
- the body’s circadian rhythm shifts
While this shift is beneficial overall, the body often needs time to recalibrate.
Researchers studying circadian rhythms have long observed that seasonal light exposure strongly affects hormone production.
Work by sleep researcher Matthew Walker shows that even small changes in light exposure can influence melatonin levels and sleep cycles.
Hormonal Adjustments
Light exposure also influences several hormones connected to mood and energy, including:
- melatonin
- serotonin
- cortisol
When these hormone levels shift, the body may temporarily experience fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes.
Lower Blood Pressure in Warmer Weather
This one surprised me when I first learned about it.
As temperatures rise, blood vessels expand to help regulate body temperature. This process — called vasodilation — can slightly lower blood pressure.
Lower blood pressure may lead to:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- weakness
- difficulty concentrating
People who naturally have lower blood pressure often feel this seasonal change more strongly.
And since I tend to run on the lower side myself… that explains a few things.
Nutritional Deficiencies After Winter
Winter isn’t exactly famous for fresh local produce.
After several months of limited sunlight and heavier winter meals, many people develop mild deficiencies in nutrients such as:
- Vitamin D
- B vitamins
- Magnesium
- Iron
Vitamin D deficiency is especially common in colder climates where sunlight exposure drops significantly during winter.
These nutrients play an important role in energy production, nerve function, and mood regulation.
Personally, I stay consistent with my supplement routine — vitamin D3, magnesium, and B-complex — and I definitely notice the difference when I skip them.
This year I added Omega-3 fats, and Q10 to my supplement menu. I heard good stuff about both.
Reduced Physical Activity During Winter
Winter naturally encourages a more sedentary lifestyle.
Many people spend months:
- exercising less
- walking less
- spending more time indoors
When activity levels increase again in spring, the body may temporarily struggle to keep up.
Seasonal Allergies
Spring also brings pollen season.
When the immune system reacts to pollen, it releases histamine, which causes symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.
Histamine can also trigger sleepiness and brain fog, which may contribute to fatigue.
Quick Ways to Beat Spring Fatigue (for skimmers)
If you’re feeling drained this spring, start with these simple habits:
- Get 20–30 minutes of natural sunlight daily
- Rebuild energy with gentle movement like walking or stretching
- Eat fresh seasonal foods rich in vitamins and minerals
- Stay well hydrated
- Support your body with vitamin D, magnesium, and B-vitamins
- Reduce late-night screen time and digital overload
Small lifestyle changes can help your body adjust more quickly to seasonal changes.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy in Spring (for non-skimmers)
I once heard a wise piece of advice: if we want to reinvent ourselves, January might not actually be the best time to start.
In the middle of winter our bodies are still in a kind of natural hibernation mode. Days are short, the weather is harsh, and energy levels are naturally lower.
But when spring arrives, everything begins to wake up.
Nature stretches after its long sleep, buds appear on trees, and the world slowly prepares to bloom again. These months carry a natural sense of renewal.
Perhaps that’s why spring can feel like a much more supportive time to begin something new.
1. Get More Sunlight
Sunlight helps regulate the body’s internal clock.
Try to:
- spend 20–30 minutes outdoors daily
- take daylight walks
- open your curtains early in the morning
Even cloudy daylight helps reset circadian rhythms.
2. Improve Your Sleep Routine
Helpful habits include:
- going to bed at the same time each night
- limiting screens before bed
- keeping your bedroom cool and dark
- waking at a consistent time
Good sleep is one of the most powerful tools for restoring energy.
3. Start Moving Again
Exercise may feel like the last thing you want when you’re tired — but movement actually boosts energy.
Gentle activities work perfectly:
- walking
- stretching
- yoga
- cycling
Personally I rely on light home physiotherapy, stretching, and my favorite Nordic walking routine. When I skip a few days, I notice my mood and energy drop quickly.
4. Eat Foods That Support Energy
Spring is a great time to refresh your diet with lighter foods such as:
- leafy greens
- fresh vegetables
- fruits
- whole grains
- legumes
- nuts and seeds
- lean protein
These foods support metabolism and help restore energy.
5. Stay Hydrated
Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and poor concentration.
Spring is also a great time to add fresh juices such as:
- carrots
- red beets
- apples
- celery
These provide vitamins and antioxidants in forms the body can easily absorb.
6. Herbal Allies for Spring Fatigue
Several traditional herbs are used to support the body during seasonal transitions.
Common examples include:
- Nettle and dandelion – mineral-rich herbs that support circulation
- Rhodiola and ashwagandha – adaptogens that help regulate stress
- Rosehip and sea buckthorn – natural sources of vitamin C
- Green tea or mate – gentle caffeine boost without the coffee crash
7. Reduce Digital Overload
Digital habits can also drain energy.
Constant notifications, scrolling, and late-night screen time stimulate the brain and disrupt sleep.
Neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart has spoken about how excessive exposure to stressful information — particularly negative news cycles — can increase stress and anxiety.
Being informed matters. But protecting your mental space matters too.
Sometimes stepping away from the noise is one of the healthiest things you can do.
How Long Does Spring Fatigue Last?
Many people wonder how long spring fatigue lasts.
For most people, symptoms improve within two to four weeks as the body adapts to longer daylight hours and increased activity levels.
If fatigue lasts longer than six to eight weeks, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional to rule out conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or sleep problems.
Finally…
Living with CIDP comes with its challenges. As I manage this disorder, I’m naturally always on the lookout for different wellness tips. I often find myself rummaging through wellness websites, reading self-help books, or talking to people who might know something helpful.
Over time, I’ve noticed that most advice comes back to a few basic golden rules: diet, movement (exercise), stress-relief techniques, and mental health hygiene. Everything seems to branch out from these simple foundations.
I’ve also read many stories from people who improved their health by adjusting these core habits.
At first they sound almost too basic — but in practice, they can change everything.
And it doesn’t really matter what you’re trying to improve — your mood, weight, longevity, menopause symptoms, cancer recovery, depression, autoimmune illness, heart disease, diabetes… just name it.
Adjusting your diet, moving your body, and learning how to respond to stress will almost always be at the forefront of the advice you’ll hear.
Disclaimer: Everything shared here comes from my own journey with CIDP and is meant for reflection and support, not medical guidance—your healthcare team is always the best source for personal medical decisions.
Sharing is caring – if this supported you in any small way, sharing it may support someone else with CIDP, and subscribing keeps this circle of healing and awareness growing
Key Sources for my Spring Fatigue Blog Post
These are the primary web links used to research and cite the content on causes, remedies, duration, and medical status:
- https://www.helsana.ch/en/blog/body/knowledge-of-the-body/spring-fatigue.html[helsana]
- https://www.georgetownbehavioral.com/blog/spring-fatigue[georgetownbehavioral]
- https://www.stefandoctor.com/post/what-is-spring-fatigue-and-how-can-you-overcome-it[stefandoctor]
- https://biogena.com/en/knowledge/guide/spring-fatigue_bba_82053[biogena]
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springtime_lethargy[en.wikipedia]
- https://ccsint.com/blog/spring-fatigue/[ccsint]
- https://meinarztbedarf.com/en-us/blogs/medical-blog/spring-fatigue-treat-it-naturally-a-doctor-gives-tips[meinarztbedarf]
- https://brain-effect.com/en-eu/blogs/magazine/fruehjahrsmuedigkeit-symptome-ursachen-was-tun[brain-effect]
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