April Wellness Changes: Why You Feel More Tired, Puffy & Off in Spring

More tired. More emotional. More puffy. More headaches. More brain fog. Allergies kicking in. Somehow wanting to do more because it is spring… but feeling like your body is not caught up yet.

And honestly? You are not the only one. A lot of people feel this way in April.

Your body is trying to adjust to a lot all at once. There is more sunlight. The weather changes every other day. Your sleep schedule shifts. Pollen is everywhere. Maybe you are doing more after a slower winter, even if you do not realize it.

Spring asks more from your body than winter did.

After months of slower days, colder weather, and less sunlight, your body suddenly has to catch up to longer days, warmer temperatures, more activity, and more stimulation. That can make you feel tired, weird, or just “off” for a little while. 

Some common spring symptoms nobody talks about

• feeling more tired even if you slept
  
  
• waking up feeling groggy
  
  
• headaches or brain fog
  
  
• feeling more emotional or overwhelmed
  
  
• seasonal allergies that make you feel drained
  
  
• body aches or feeling stiff
  
  
• feeling puffy or inflamed
  
  
• struggling to focus
  
  

A lot of people call this “spring fatigue.” It usually lasts a couple of weeks while your body adjusts. 

The allergy part

Seasonal allergies are not just sneezing and itchy eyes.

Pollen can also make you feel exhausted, foggy, irritated, and low energy. Your body is using energy to deal with inflammation, and if your allergies are making it harder to sleep, you will probably feel even worse the next day. 

If you have been more tired, emotional, foggy, puffy, or overwhelmed lately, do not ignore it and try to push harder. Usually that only makes it worse.

Instead, pay attention to what your body may need:

• If your allergies have been worse than usual, try drinking herbal teas with nettle, ginger, peppermint, or chamomile. These herbs can help support your body during allergy season and may help you feel less foggy and drained.
  
  
• If you have been feeling puffy or inflamed, drink more water and eat foods that are in season. Spring fruits and vegetables are usually lighter and easier on the body.
  
  
• If your body has been feeling heavy or sluggish, spend more time outside. Even short walks or getting some fresh air can help your body slowly adjust to the season.
  
  
• If you have been more tired than usual, do not force yourself to keep the same pace you had before. Try going to bed a little earlier or giving yourself more time to rest.
  
  
• If your brain has felt foggy or you have been struggling to focus, slow down and stop trying to do everything at once. Spring can be overstimulating after a slower winter.
  
  
• If you have been feeling more emotional or overwhelmed, remember that your body is still adjusting too. Longer days, more stimulation, allergies, and changes in routine can all affect how you feel.
  
  

You probably just need a little more support, a little more patience, and a little more time.

Herbs to the Hero is here for you! 

Sources:

Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute, “Spring Fatigue: Why the Change in Seasons Can Make You Feel Tired,” about longer days, changes in sleep, hormones, and why people can feel “off” in spring.

Texas Health Resources, “Spring Allergies Making You Exhausted? Why & What to Do,” about pollen causing inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and worse sleep.

medi, “Spring Fatigue,” about spring fatigue usually lasting a couple of weeks while the body adjusts.