Why You Feel Most Tired Right Before Spring
From the Therapist’s Chair: Why You Feel Most Tired Right Before Spring
There is a specific kind of exhaustion that shows up in my practice every March. Even though the light is returning and the worst of the cold is behind us, many people feel more drained now than they did in the middle of January.
If you’re feeling "done" with winter but don't quite have the energy for spring, you aren't failing. You are likely experiencing cumulative burnout.
✨ The Science of the "Last Mile"
Think of the winter as a long-distance race. Your nervous system has been "bracing" against the cold, the dark, and the seasonal stress for months. As the finish line comes into view, your body finally feels safe enough to let go of that bracing—and that’s when the full weight of the fatigue hits you.
The Let-Down Effect: When we stop "powering through," our stress hormones (like cortisol) start to drop. This is a healthy reset, but it often feels like a total lack of energy or motivation.
The Physical Toll: Months of restricted movement and low light have a cumulative effect on your physical state. Your "battery" is simply at its lowest point right now.
🛋️ Tending to the Fatigue
Instead of judging yourself for being "lazy," try treating this period as a necessary recovery phase:
Acknowledge the Load: Take a moment to look back at the last four months. You navigated a lot. Simply naming the physical weight you’re carrying—"I am carrying four months of winter tension"—can help your system start to release it.
Focus on Low-Demand Care: This isn't the week for a "fresh start." It’s the week for extra rest, warm meals, and gentle movement. Listen to your interoception cues; if your body is asking to sit down, let it.
Rightsize Your Expectations: Give yourself permission to be "slow" for a few more weeks. True wholeness comes from respecting your body's timing, not the calendar's.
✨ The Shift
The energy for spring will come, but it can’t be forced. By tending to your cumulative burnout now, you are making sure you have a solid foundation for when you’re truly ready to grow again.
📣 Prepared for Action?
If the "last mile" of winter feels too heavy to carry alone, let’s connect. I provide Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy in Toronto and virtually across Ontario, helping you navigate the complex transitions of real life.
⚖️ Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Learn more about Sarah’s work at interocare.ca
