Time to take steps to avoid springtime sluggishness, allergies

The coming of spring and the warm weather create feelings of fatigue. Health experts suggest eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, taking walks or exercising particularly in the morning and making changes to monotonous daily activities in order to avoid springtime sluggishness.

Psychiatrist Özlem Mestcioğlu of NPiSTANBUL Etiler Clinic says springtime fatigue makes some people sleepy and some irritated or aggressive.

Noting that springtime lethargy may result in difficulty waking up in the morning, a desire not to go to work, the intention to postpone things, the tendency to sleep at all times, feeling alone, weak, unhappy, uneasy and lazy, failure to concentrate, irritability, etc., Mestcioğlu says: “If you feel some or all of these symptoms, then you are suffering from springtime sluggishness. The change in the air may make people nervous, strained or tense, paving the way for springtime fatigue. Stress may induce the increased contraction of veins in the spring, leading to an increase in cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases.”

Indicating that the acceleration of one’s metabolism and changes in hormones may also trigger springtime lethargy, Mestcioğlu explained that smokers, people who have an irregular diet, adolescents, people who are depressed and those who work hard are more likely to suffer from this medical condition. She notes that some characteristics, too, may make one more susceptible to springtime sluggishness. “Those who are not open to change or who tend to produce negative scenarios, those who are weaker in terms of withstanding hardships or who tend to admit defeat more readily may feel springtime lethargy more,” she says.

While it is not a disease, Mestcioğlu adds it may develop into chronic fatigue or burnout syndrome if precautions are not taken. “Burnout syndrome is a condition that needs medical attention, and if it is not treated, it may cause serious problems. Poor performance at work, deterioration of relations with people, problems with one’s family and in one’s social life may be seen. People may grow unhappy or get stuck in a cheerless mood, and they may even lose all their interest in the world,” she says.

How to overcome sluggishness

Fibrous vegetables, green vegetables and fruits, tomatoes, potatoes and apricots should be consumed. Breakfast is the most important meal of a day, and you should have breakfast regularly.

You should drink at least three liters of water a day.

You should have fresh air in your working environment at all times.

You should have regular sleeping hours. It is important to get up early in the morning.

Have a walk in fresh air, particularly in the morning. Exercising on an empty stomach for at least 15-20 minutes in the morning is very helpful.

When chronic fatigue syndrome develops, one should reduce one’s work tempo and have short vacations.

Beware of pollen in spring

Warm weather, changes in atmospheric pressure, differences in humidity and pollen in the air from flowering and other plants may trigger allergies.

A pollen allergy is generally associated with frequent sneezing, nasal congestion or itching and nasal discharge, and it may pave the way for a number of diseases if it is neglected. A pollen allergy, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis in medical terms, may be seen at any age and in chronic form. Ear, nose and throat specialist İlker Yiğit of private Konya Farabi Hospital underlines that people with allergic rhinitis have a high risk of suffering an asthma attack.

Yiğit notes that complaints associated with allergic rhinitis may cause a decline in school performance, distractions, sleep disorders and other disruptions in one’s quality of life. “An allergy is defined as an excessive reaction by our body against some foreign substances that enter our body through respiratory or gastrointestinal systems or on skin contact. This allergy may even lead to sinusitis, middle ear infection and the worsening of asthma,” he cautions. Yiğit explains that grass pollen is the most common trigger of pollen allergies in our country.

He points out that grass pollen stays in the air from early spring to late fall and allergen-related health problems are seen mostly during April, May and June, adding that “the amount of pollen in the air increases in hot, dry, windy or stormy weather and falls in humid or rainy weather.”

Warding off pollen allergy

Keep away from allergenic plants.

Keep the windows and doors of your house and car closed.

Use air conditioners with pollen filters at home and in your car.

Avoid going outside when the pollen concentration in the air is highest -- in the morning between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and in the evening on hot, dry or stormy days.

If you must go out, then wear masks to protect your mouth and nose.

Avoid outdoor sports and exercise during pollen season.

Choose the seaside for your vacation instead of a trip to a woody area.

Wear sunglasses outside.

Always wash your hair before going to bed as there may be large amounts of pollen sticking to your hair.

Change your clothes outside the bedroom upon coming home and immediately take a shower.