Springtime RENEW

With the sun shining and our clothes changing, its the time we realize how little effort we made over the winter months to improve ourselves, physically speaking!



WHAT is this all about?
Perception ? Reality?

Humans, like animals, experience shifts in their biochemistry with the seasons.  For instance sunlight and darkness release different hormones in your brain. With increased exposure to sunlight a hormone called serotonin – the "mood boosting hormone"- increases. Serotonin plays a role in bowel function, nausea control, sleep, blood clotting, bone health and sexual function.  Notably; Exercise stimulates production of serotonin!
Darkness, on the other hand triggers the hormone -melatonin – a hormone that makes you feel sleepy. With the advances of the Spring season daylight is increased and therefore levels of melatonin decrease in order to maintain awakedness longer.  A reason why we feel more vigour and interest in being active longer.  Typically in colder climates such as Canada we experience lower levels of Vitamin D (sunshine hormone) and feel like we have been lazy, in contrast to the euphoria of the Springtime.
This can offer a reality to the "winter blues" and why people are naturally more upbeat in the springtime.

Generally a person lacking sunlight exposure has lower serotonin levels, which can ultimately lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Along with these hormone shifts is the perception that we are overweight and feeling weak. NOT for all of us, but for many. 
This is why Springtime offers the mental opportunity to both criticize ourselves and motivate change to a more active lifestyle.
To RENEW oneself!

written by the team at the BODiWORKS Institute


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