April showers bring May flowers, and for many, spring marks a time when the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. For others, it may mean a different form of seasonal depression.
The effect of any dramatic change in weather can lead to mental health problems for many. According to the Mayo Clinic, the spring and summer depression can differ greatly from the winter depression. Summer blues can cause increased irritability, insomnia, agitation, or anxiety.
Here is a list of local activities that area experts recommend to help improve your mental health, as we enter the warmer months in Greater Lansing:
Go to professional relaxation
As the days begin to lengthen, downtime becomes more convenient for many. Which can lead to stress or anxiety as the options become too plentiful. Visiting places that offer aromatherapy or essential oil treatments helps alleviate how these feelings affect the brain.
According to the National Library of MedicineTools like essential oils, which have been used for centuries, help manage depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and other cognitive disorders. Places that provide massage, meditation, or even yoga can also help benefit and enhance both mind and body.
Here are some local places that offer relaxation services:
Listen to your body to sleep better
Sleep and mental health are closely related, according to Kim Fenn, an associate professor of psychology at Michigan State University. Getting too much or too little sleep can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and memory loss. It’s important to identify what could be causing a disrupted sleep schedule and how it affects your daily life.
Fenn is part of several research projects investigating false memory and sleep. MSU has a Sleep and Learning Lab in which people can help participate in the investigation of the psychological functions of sleep.
“Most people tend to get very little sleep during the week, then make up for it by sleeping on the weekends,” Fenn said. “Usually we can’t change our waking time, but we can be more vigilant about going to bed early enough to allow ourselves 7 or 8 hours of sleep.”
Other tips:
- Maximize comfort: Make sure your mattress, pillows, and clothing don’t put undue stress on your body.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Having a “detox period” before bed can improve REM sleep and reduce restlessness at night.
- Block out all light: Minimize the amount of light that enters the room, or if that’s not possible, consider a face mask.
the Comprehensive Sleep Center in East Lansing offers home sleep apnea testing and other services to help improve a good night’s rest.
Limit your smartphone use and screen time
According to JAMA PediatricsScreen time has doubled for teens since the early start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working remotely has also forced many adults to remain in front of a screen for hours. Being on social media for long periods of time can also cause users to distance themselves from others and become more isolated.
To help limit screen time, Apple Y Android have implemented features that allow users to limit the time they spend on their smartphones. Another easy way is to create phone-free zones in your home. Putting your laptop in another room or placing a device out of direct sight is another effective tool for limiting your time on your smartphone or other screens.
Find yourself some animal therapy
Research suggests that spending time with animals helps reduce anxiety, even more so than many other recreational activities. A pet offers a great escape, but not everyone has time to care for one.
Here are just a few of the places around Greater Lansing where you can interact with animals, even if you don’t have time for a pet of your own:
Veronica Bolanos is a news assistant at the Lansing State Journal. Contact her at [email protected] or 517.267.0460. Follow her on Twitter @BVeronica19.
