Spring is often associated with renewal and fresh starts, but for many people, the change of seasons doesn’t automatically bring improved mood or motivation. If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or emotionally drained, you’re not alone. As a psychologist in Los Angeles, Dr. Yvonne Thomas helps clients navigate these challenges with evidence-based strategies tailored to individual needs. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal stress, unresolved emotions, or simply want to enhance your well-being, these expert-backed tips can help you feel more balanced and energized this spring.
Why Spring Can Be Emotionally Challenging
While spring is often associated with renewal and joy, this seasonal transition can actually intensify emotional struggles for many people.
- The Pressure to Feel Happy Creates Emotional Conflict
- Society bombards us with messages that spring should automatically make us happier
- Social media showcases others’ apparent joy and productivity, fostering unhealthy comparisons
- This creates a cognitive dissonance when our internal state doesn’t match external expectations
- The resulting guilt (“Why aren’t I happy when the weather is nice?”) can deepen existing depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Doesn’t Always Disappear with Winter
- While we typically associate SAD with winter, many experience a “reverse SAD” pattern in spring
- The rapid increase in daylight can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep patterns
- Rising temperatures may cause physical discomfort that affects mood
- Pollen allergies can trigger inflammation linked to depressive symptoms
- Increased Social Demands Create Stress
- More invitations and events after winter’s relative quiet can feel overwhelming
- Pressure to be more productive as days get longer (“I should be doing more”)
- Summer planning anxiety (vacations, childcare arrangements, etc.) begins in spring
- Body image concerns emerge as clothing becomes more revealing
- Unresolved Issues from Winter Often Surface
- Many use winter’s slower pace to avoid dealing with problems
- As activity increases, these buried issues resurface with greater intensity
- The contrast between nature’s renewal and personal stagnation becomes more apparent
- Tax season financial stress compounds existing worries
- Biological Factors Play a Significant Role
- Rapid changes in barometric pressure can trigger migraines and mood swings
- Increased sunlight alters serotonin and melatonin production
- Vitamin D levels, still recovering from winter, may not be optimal yet
- Seasonal allergies can cause fatigue and brain fog that mimic depression
- Grief and Loss Can Feel Sharper
- Holidays are over, leaving those who are grieving without distractions
- The contrast between nature’s rebirth and personal losses becomes more pronounced
- Family expectations around Mother’s Day/Father’s Day can be painful for many
- The Pace of Change Itself Can Be Overwhelming
- Nature’s rapid transformation mirrors how quickly life can feel out of control
- Longer days disrupt established routines and sleep schedules
- The pressure to “reinvent yourself” with the season creates performance anxiety
- Decision fatigue increases as more opportunities become available
Understanding these complex factors helps normalize why someone might struggle during what’s “supposed to be” a happy time. Dr. Thomas can help with, among so much else, simply recognizing these patterns can reduce the shame many feel about their springtime difficulties.
The next step is developing personalized strategies to navigate these challenges, which is where professional support can make a significant difference.
What makes spring particularly tricky is that its challenges are often more subtle than winter blues – they’re frequently dismissed as personal failings rather than recognized as legitimate seasonal difficulties. This misunderstanding leads many to criticize themselves rather than seek appropriate support. The reality is that seasonal emotional patterns are complex and highly individual, requiring compassionate attention rather than judgment.
Practical Strategies From a Psychologist in Los Angeles
Reconnect With Your Body Through Movement
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to boost mood, yet many people struggle to maintain consistency. Instead of forcing yourself into rigid exercise routines, try:
- Gentle outdoor activities (walking, gardening, or stretching in the sun) to combine movement with sunlight exposure
- Mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi, which reduce stress while improving body awareness
- Non-exercise movement (dancing to music, taking the stairs, or parking farther away) to make activity feel less like a chore
Research shows that even small amounts of movement can significantly reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Refresh Your Mental Space
Just as spring cleaning declutters your home, mental “decluttering” can improve emotional well-being. Consider:
- Journaling for clarity – Writing down worries, goals, or even stream-of-consciousness thoughts can help process emotions
- Digital detoxing – Reducing screen time, especially before bed, can improve sleep and reduce stress
- Setting boundaries – If certain relationships or obligations drain you, reassess where you can say “no” or delegate
Dr. Thomas’s approach to individual counseling often includes helping clients identify and release unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to stress.
Prioritize Small, Meaningful Pleasures
When feeling low, people often wait for motivation to strike before taking action. However, motivation often follows action—not the other way around. Try:
- Sensory grounding techniques (sipping tea slowly, feeling the sun on your skin, listening to calming music)
- Micro-moments of joy (buying fresh flowers, calling a friend, or revisiting a favorite book)
- Creative expression (doodling, cooking a new recipe, or rearranging a room)
These small acts can create positive momentum, making larger challenges feel more manageable.
Address Lingering Emotional Weight
Spring can amplify unresolved emotions, especially if you’ve been avoiding them during winter. Signs you may need to explore deeper:
- Persistent irritability or mood swings
- Feeling “stuck” in the same thought loops
- Avoiding situations that trigger difficult emotions
In individual therapy, Dr. Thomas helps clients unpack these feelings in a supportive environment.
Adjust Your Social Connections
Social wellness plays a crucial role in mental health. If you’ve been feeling isolated or drained by certain relationships, consider:
- Reaching out to one supportive person – Even a brief check-in can foster connection
- Joining a low-pressure group (book club, hobby class, or volunteer opportunity)
- Evaluating toxic dynamics – If certain relationships leave you feeling worse, therapy can help you navigate setting boundaries or reassessing those ties
Use the Season as a Metaphor for Growth
Nature’s renewal in spring can serve as a powerful reminder of personal resilience. Reflect on:
- What “old leaves” (habits, grudges, or self-limiting beliefs) can you let go of?
- What “new seeds” (goals, relationships, or self-care practices) do you want to plant?
- How can you embrace imperfection? Growth isn’t linear—setbacks are part of the process.
Professional Support From a Psychologist in Los Angeles
If you’re ready to explore therapy or simply want more personalized strategies, Dr. Thomas provides a supportive, judgment-free space to help you thrive—not just in spring, but in all seasons of life. She can help you feel more balanced and empowered.
By integrating these strategies, you can make this spring a time of meaningful—and sustainable—renewal.
Therapy can help, but it has to be with the right therapist. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Thomas today.