Alcohol and Wellbeing: Navigating Spring Stressors

With winter behind us and more daylight hours ahead, spring brings a sense of renewal. However, the change of seasons from winter to spring can introduce new stressors. Understanding how spring can impact your wellbeing and identifying ways to manage stress without alcohol is important.

Spring Stressors and Wellbeing

Spring can be a time of significant change. However, the excitement of warmer weather, longer days, and more outdoor activities can come with some challenges:

• Allergy Season: For those who suffer from allergies, spring can bring discomfort that affects mood and energy levels (e.g., increased discomfort from tree and grass pollens that can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes). For more details on the impact of alcohol on allergy symptoms, refer to this article.
• Change in Routine: Spring can bring additional time commitments or responsibilities and changes in your daily routine. Adjusting to a new schedule and balancing more activities can be stressful.
• Social Pressure: With warmer weather, there may be more social gatherings, which can increase the pressure to drink alcohol.

Healthy Ways to Manage Spring Stress

Having a beer or glass of wine is a popular way to unwind. However, too much alcohol can interfere with your sleep, as explained in this article, which can leave you feeling less than your best. Instead of relying on alcohol, consider these healthier strategies to manage stress during the spring:

• Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity. Exercise is not only good for your physical health and energy levels, but it also releases chemicals in your brain that boost your mood.
• Get Outside: Take advantage of the spring weather to boost your vitamin D levels and lift your spirits. Activities like walking, biking, swimming, or hiking can be very therapeutic.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve your wellbeing.
• Connect with Others: Discuss your main stressors with friends or family or consider joining a support group. Talking about your stressors with others can make them easier to manage and can help you feel supported and less overwhelmed.
• Establish a Routine: Keeping a regular schedule for meals, exercise, and sleep can help stabilize your mood throughout the year.

Resources

If you need help to quit or limit your drinking, the Department of Defense provides screenings to help identify what type of support you need and what treatment would work best for you. They offer inpatient, partial inpatient, and outpatient treatment options. You may also call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential treatment referral and information service (provided in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Check out additional resources for Service members here.