Is it love or spring fever?

Grand Island Dispatch, April 20, 2007
by Michael J. Owen
U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.)

Flowers bloom, squirrels scurry and geese glide as spring arrives. Perhaps humans are just as receptive to the sights, sounds and scents of spring. (photos by Nathan Keefe)

As we reflect on the Easter season and the last of winter’s harsh weather begins to fade, spring is in the air. Or so we hope. Among an increase in squirrels and red robins in our back yards, and even as engineers have lifted the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom among a tease a warm spring-like days, there is still the threat of a morning chill and cold wintry nights that we can’t shake. Yet, even though spreading slowly, the rumor is, spring fever has finally come to Western New York. And with this fever, many are in search of love.

As the earth comes alive, nature is reborn once again. The beauty of lilies and wild flowers blossom in a growing forest of green as the fragrance of the hyacinth fills the air. The rejoicing sounds of birds echo through the woods, singing lullabies to attract each other and welcome in the new season.

Giving birth to the energetic warmth of spring, the season opens to a period of rejuvenation where we, like other animals, break free of hibernation. Animals mate in the spring in order to raise their young in a warm and suitable climate. Could our desire for love during spring be instinctive? We are of course animals; maybe we hold similar tendencies of survival. We (humans) do not hibernate in the same manner as other animals, yet during winter months, we do spend considerable less time outdoors.

Spring Lifts Spirits

As the warmth lures us out to rejoin nature, we become more playful, energetic, aggressive and physical. In some cases we become wilder and less uninhibited in our attempts to have fun. Our days of high spirits and good moods increase. We feel better about ourselves, becoming more spontaneous in our actions. We’re also project better to others. In a sense, we love ourselves more, so perhaps we are able to love others more.

Is it so traditional that we’re not even aware of it? Every February, just before spring, Valentine’s Day reminds us to remember our special loved ones. As we get closer to June, a popular month for weddings, some start planning marriages. Newspapers and advertisements publicize these events extensively. Documented by poets for centuries, the symptoms of spring fever also include a flushed face, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, restlessness and daydreaming about romance. Also, in some of music we listen to, love, spring and romance are used almost interchangeably.

Is it natural? Flowers bloom in the spring and in a sense we open up and bloom also. A flower blooming is essentially a flower “being sexy.” We, in turn, groom our appearance and health to project a newer and sometimes sexier self. Whether this is to attract others or we simply plan to wear a bathing suit or less clothing, how many times have we said, “I’ve got to start getting in shape for summer?” Well, to be ready for summer, we need to start in the spring.

Obviously, physical attractiveness is a key factor in the initial stages of romance. Additionally, most people enjoy in little “girl watching” or “boy watching” when the streets and beaches are filled with healthy bodies strolling half-naked under the bright sun. That’s enough to make anyone feel better.

More Light, Less Depression

Brightness is another factor that may also contribute to feeling good. Scientists have linked the absence of sunlight or specific ultraviolet light rays to certain depression illnesses. They discovered by exposing a patient to specific types of light, they feel better and happier. However, this shouldn’t be the sole reason for going to a tanning booth. Researchers have also focused on how seasons affect our mood with a label for winter depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. The exact cause is inconclusive, but clearly winter depression seems to lift more in the spring with an earlier onset of morning light.

These positive connections between mood, behavior and the lengthening days of the season can also lead to more physical activity. During these months, we take more walks, play more sports or just exercise. These activities may help overcome depression or “winter blues,” adding natural vitality to our day.

Perhaps spring causes natural biorhythms in the same manner as some scientist believe the moon does. In the past the word “lunatic,” (“luna” means moon and “tic” means struck) was used sometimes to describe a crazy person, saying they were moonstruck. As college students go south to warmer climates, many attribute their spring break antics to spring fever.

While the exact cause for our renewed energy and happiness is at times mysterious, and the evidence for spring fever remains largely subjective, we can only enjoy its benefits. Again, by loving ourselves more, we’re able to love others with greater respect. As you feel good about yourself this season, spread the feeling – or fever. Invite the neighbors over and share a starry night on the porch. Enjoy a sunset on West River or catch the sunrise on East River. Or better yet, plan a romantic evening with the one you love. Hey, it’s springtime. Enjoy!