SPRING FATIGUE – MYTH OR FACT?

Not only do you hear or read about spring fatigue every year – you’ve probably experienced it at least once in your life. It is certainly no myth – it’s a very real condition that some people experience, usually between mid-March and mid-April. Fatigue, lethargy, and sleepiness are tell-tale signs. The list can also include irritability, problems with concentrating, and a lack of interest in daily responsibilities or activities that you don’t usually experience.

Fortunately, spring fatigue lasts no longer than two or three weeks. So, what exactly is happening? Our body is trying to adapt to changes in tune with nature such as higher temperatures and more sun exposure. Our winter passivity thus far also plays an important role – reduced physical activity and lack of strolling in the fresh air. To sum it up, our bodies experience a bit of a shock and need time to adapt to these new conditions.

QUALITY SLEEP EQUALS LESS FATIGUE

Just because we’re tired doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to get a good night’s sleep. On the contrary, fatigue can be a sign of poor sleep quality. The importance of sleep for the optimal functioning of our bodies and minds has long been known. Sleep has also gotten its own special day – World Sleep Day – celebrated on March 18 this year.

One of the ways to overcome this daily spring fatigue is to ensure the best possible rest during the night. Here are some simple tips and advice on how to do that:

• Avoid caffeine after 4 p.m. The stimulating effect of caffeine can last up to 8 hours. Best avoid it after a certain hour so it doesn’t disturb your sleep.
• Try to resist an afternoon nap. In moments when taking a nap seems like the most logical thing to do, try to resist it. Although tempting, taking a nap can shorten and disturb your sleep during the night, making you even more tired the next day.
• Call nature for help and create ideal conditions for a solid and quality sleep. True lavender essential oil is your choice number one. It has a calming effect and works great for insomnia. Using a diffuser, disperse it in your bedroom an hour before bedtime and fall asleep without any difficulty. You can also add a few drops on a piece of cotton wool and place it next to your pillow, or simply pour them directly on your pillowcase.
• Another option for the bedroom is diffusing several drops of Peace&Quiet blend of essential oils for soothing, anti-stress, and relaxing effects. You can achieve the same thing with the Let's make it clear air spray while adding an extra air-purifying effect along the way.

GIVE SOME EXHAUSTION TO GET SOME SLEEP (AND LESS FATIGUE)

This may not seem intuitive at all – why exhaust yourself further if you’re already tired? Well, when it comes to spring fatigue – it’s a good idea. Just as solid, quality sleep is important, so is ‘’laying the proper groundwork’’ for it. Engage in some physical activity during the day – get in at least a bit of movement or exercise, spend a bit more energy. Tire yourself out a little bit more to get a better night's sleep. Here are some helpful tips you can try:

• Walk to work and back – maybe just a bit of the journey - if you have the chance. Take a short walk during your lunch break and get some fresh air if you can.
• When you start feeling tired and sleepy at home – especially if a nap seems very appealing – try to resist it and do something with your hands instead. Engage in an activity that will keep you awake and reduce your chances of passing out on your couch. This is also a great time for a short walk, especially if there’s nature nearby. Of course, in a tired and fatigued state, this can seem like a monumental challenge, but it’s easier if you have an ally. Find someone you can take a walk with. Encourage each other and spend 30 minutes walking and taking in some fresh air.
• Summon essential oils to your aid. If you have a diffuser in your workplace, diffuse the Wake&Shake blend for some extra energy and a nudge. It’ll wake you up, improve focus and give you a bit of an edge. Achieve the same effect with Spray Away! air spray, whilst disinfecting the air and getting rid of unwanted odors.
• If you’re always on the move, give Level Up a chance – a roll-on mixture of essential oils in almond oil. It can travel with you wherever you wish, lift your energy, and focus Apply it on your temples, neck, or wrists at times when you feel tired.

TIRED AND RESTED AT THE SAME TIME

We emphasize again: our body is currently going through some adjustments. So is nature – waking up from hibernation. We’re trying to get in tune, but it doesn’t work overnight. Although spring fatigue is a condition that will pass, it can be harsh on us. Lack of quality rest and sleep will complicate the process even more.

Therefore, we at KAIAA wish you a successful World Sleep Day and plenty of quality sleep. We also wish you as much help from nature as possible, and as little spring fatigue. We encourage you to find ways to help yourself get through this period of fatigue more easily – nature is always at your disposal.