Is spring
fever
real?
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let’s discuss
Do you change anything about What’s your favourite memory Have you heard of spring fever
your daily routine when spring from a past spring? before? What do you think it is?
arrives? Do you think it's real?
Do you feel a stronger Can too much energy or
connection to nature in spring? excitement in spring have
How does that affect your negative effects (e.g., poor
mood? focus, impulsive decisions)?
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spring associations
Look at the pictures. What associations you have with spring and why? Check possible associations on the left.
Spring is...
blooming flowers
longer daylight hours
mild temperatures
greener landscapes
renewal & fresh starts
optimism & motivation
restlessness
mood swings
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Is spring fever real?
Read the article and answer the questions on the next slide.
Spring fever may not be a diagnosable medical condition, even someone tackling spring cleaning with a renewed alteration in your mental health. Just as the dark, cold
but research is clear that more sunlight and warmer days sense of energy. However, the term has also been used to days of winter can make you feel depressed, the bright,
do have an impact on your mental and physical health. describe a wide range of ailments (some not so great). In warm days of spring help boost your mood.
Exposure to sunlight can boost production of serotonin, a fact, it’s been associated with swollen joints, loose teeth The biggest reason for the new pep in your step? More
feel-good chemical that can lift our moods. and even scurvy (a disease caused by vitamin C sunlight.
Natural light also helps regulate your sleep cycle, deficiency). Although your doctor may not be able put a Sunny days can help boost your mood
ensuring you get a good night’s sleep. clinical label on your condition or side-effects that are Remember the joy of running outside on a warm, spring
The switch from cold, dreary weather to warm, sunny derived from spring fever, that doesn’t make it any less day as a kid? The sun warmed your skin. You could smell
days is enough to make anyone feel hopeful for real. the grass getting greener by the second. Luckily, those
adventures coming our way. Nowadays, the more prominent effects associated with same benefits still apply. And it all comes down to
After months of cold, dark days, it’s finally happening! spring fever include: sunshine. Researchers believe sunlight triggers your
Birds are singing. Trees are budding. Flowers are Increased energy levels. brain to release serotonin, a hormone that helps boost
sprouting. Days are getting longer. Improved sleep quality. your mood (among other things). Here’s how it works:
Spring is in the air. More frequent mood shifts. sunlight passes through your eyes and stimulates your
If the crisp, warm air and blankets of green grass are Difficulty concentrating, especially when the optic nerve. Then, the optic nerve sends a message to the
putting a bounce in your step – you’re not alone! In fact, weather is pleasant. part of your brain that produces serotonin. As serotonin is
you may have “spring fever”. The science behind spring fever released, it sends signals to nerve cells throughout your
While you won’t really get a fever, you will experience the It’s not just a coincidence that your mood improves, and body, offering up instructions on a wide range of
mood-boosting power the seasonal change can bring. you experience other benefits of warmer weather, longer functions – from managing emotions, digesting food,
What is spring fever? days and the bright sunshine. Researchers have long helping you sleep and even controlling your motor skills.
For centuries, “spring fever” has been visually represented studied the correlation between weather and health. So, lather up in sunscreen and head outside for fresh air
by cheerful people skipping through flowery fields, or Scientists know that the change in weather can trigger an and a feel-good day.
*adapted from this article Licence issued for personal use, 1603797937, Marina Tim.
Is spring fever real?
What new things have you felt inspired to start in spring?
1. Answer the questions.
5. What activities do you associate with spring, and how do they
contribute to your well-being?
1. What is spring fever? What associations did it have in the past, and what are 6. Scientists link hormones like serotonin and melatonin to our emotions.
they now? Do you believe biology plays a bigger role in our mood than personal
2. What role does serotonin play in our body, and how is it connected to spring mindset? Why or why not?
fever?
3. According to the text, what advice is given for making the most of spring
fever?
2. WDiscuss the questions.
1. The article states that serotonin helps regulate emotions, digestion, sleep,
and motor skills. How does serotonin affect your body during seasonal shifts?
2. Do you think people in warmer climates experience spring fever differently
from those in colder regions? Why or why not?
3. Some people find it harder to concentrate in spring because they want to be
outside. How do you think schools and workplaces could adjust to seasonal
changes?
4. The text suggests that spring can bring a renewed sense of motivation.
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Vocabulary practice
Look at the underlined words in the article. Then, match them with their correct definitions.
a) a secret technique used to hide from sunlight or avoid new experiences
1. exposure to
b) the fact of experiencing something or being affected by it because of being in a particular situation
a) boring and making you feel unhappy
2. dreary
b) something peaceful and calming that helps people feel at ease
a) to try to deal with something or someone
3. tackle
b) to avoid a difficult situation in order to reduce stress
a) a sudden burst of energy
4. ailment
b) an illness
a) something original that has no connection to anything else
5. derived
b) coming from or caused by something else
a) something that blends in so well that hardly anyone notices it
6. prominent
b) very well known and important
a) the process of keeping things exactly the same over time
7. alteration b) a change, usually a slight change, in the appearance, character, or structure of something
a) energy, or a willingness to be active
8. pep b) a feeling of exhaustion and sluggishness
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let’s practise
Complete the dialogue with the given words.
Sophie: I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have so much more and energetic. I’ve also heard some people say they struggle to focus
1)_____________________ now when spring is here! The sunshine makes because they just want to be outside all the time.
such a difference. Sophie: Yes! It’s funny how spring affects people differently. For some,
Daniel: Same here! I think the increased 2)_____________________ it’s positive, but for others, it can be quite distracting. Maybe companies
sunlight really helps. After months of sitting in a dim office during the should make a/an 8)_____________________ to work schedules in
3)_____________________ winter days, it feels amazing to be outside spring – like shorter working hours or outdoor breaks!
more. Daniel: Now that’s an idea I can get behind! Imagine having a "spring
Sophie: Exactly! And it’s not just a feeling – scientists say that serotonin break" for adults. More fresh air, less stress. Who wouldn’t want that?
levels increase when we spend more time in the sun. I read that this
effect is 4)_____________________ from how our brain reacts to natural
light. exposure to derived
Daniel: That makes sense. I mean, during winter, I always feel sluggish
and tired. But now, I’m actually motivated to 5)_____________________
my to-do list. It’s like a complete energy shift. dreary prominent
Sophie: That’s the classic spring fever! Some people even argue that it
should be considered a real condition. You know, centuries ago, they tackle alteration
linked it to actual 6)_____________________ like swollen joints and
vitamin deficiencies.
Daniel: Really? That’s interesting! But these days, the more ailment pep
7)_____________________ symptoms seem to be feeling more awake
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more vocabulary practice
Match the beginnings of the sentences (1-8) with their endings (a-h).
1. With the arrival of warmer days, many people notice _____ a) often feel an urgent need to go outside and enjoy the fresh air.
b) an extra pep in their step, making them feel more active and
2. The alteration in daylight hours during spring _____
motivated.
3. One of the most prominent effects of spring fever _____ c) in spring, as they are easily distracted by the pleasant weather.
d) is the sudden urge to spend more time outdoors, even at the cost of
4. After months of dreary winter weather, people _____
productivity.
5. The restlessness of spring fever is derived _____ e) of people during the spring season due to high pollen levels.
6. Many students find it difficult to tackle their workload _____ f) from increased sunlight and longer days.
g) can have a noticeable effect on people’s sleep patterns and energy
7. Hay fever is a common ailment that affects thousands _____
levels.
8. Frequent exposure to natural sunlight can significantly _____ h) improve mental well-being and boost serotonin levels.
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would you rather?
Would you rather have constant exposure to sunlight or live in a place
where it’s always cloudy? Why?
Would you rather experience a dreary winter for six months or a super
hot summer for six months? Why?
Would you rather have a mild ailment like allergies every spring or feel
extremely tired in winter? Why?
Would you rather have the prominent excitement and energy that
comes with spring fever or stay unaffected by seasonal changes? Why?
Would you rather make a big alteration to your lifestyle every spring or
keep your routine the same all year? Why?
Would you rather wake up full of pep every morning or have unlimited
energy in the evening? Why?
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spring fever bucket list
Read some spring fever bucket list ideas. Watch the video and tick the activities mentioned. Then, discuss the questions.
1. Plant a herb garden. 1. Which activities from the bucket list have you done before?
2. Ride a bike. Which ones would you like to try?
3. Pick flowers. 2. Are there any activities on the list that you would never try?
4. Look forward to Easter. Why?
5. Have a tea party/picnic. 3. What’s one thing you always do when spring arrives?
6. Buy a plant. 4. If you could add one unique activity to the spring bucket
7. Watch a movie outdoors. list, what would it be?
8. Volunteer at a farm. 5. How do you balance outdoor activities with your daily
9. Drink matcha lattes. responsibilities in spring?
10. Paint tote bags. 6. Are there any of the bucket list activities linked to cultural
11. Paint stones. or seasonal traditions in your country?
12. Make a birdseed wreath.
13. Decorate cookies.
14. Take on a fitness challenge.
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let’s guess!
Guess the bucket list activity shown with emojis. Then, discuss if you would like to do any of these activities.
🌳👣🔍 -
🌊 🧺-
⛺🔥🌌 -
🎭📚🎸 -
📸🌸🌿 -
📖🌞☕ -
🛍🌻🪴 -
🎡🎠🎢 -
🌄🌺 -
🌅🌿 -
🎭🎶🕺 -
🥾🏔🌿 -
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role-play
Imagine that you are a wellness coach. Give advice how to cope with the following spring fever
symptoms
Example symptoms: Example advice:
"I feel so restless! I just want to be outside all day". It sounds like your increased exposure to sunlight is affecting your
"I can’t concentrate on my work. Every time I look outside, I lose focus". energy levels. This is common in spring. Try making an alteration to
"I have so much energy, but I don’t know what to do with it!". your routine – schedule short outdoor breaks so you can enjoy the fresh
"I feel different now when spring has arrived, but I don’t understand air while still staying productive. A 10-minute walk can refresh your
why". mind without disrupting your work.
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extra task
Read each statement and choose the correct word from the given options. Then, count your points and check your results!
1. When the first warm days of spring arrive, how do you feel? 5. How does your body react to spring?
a) I feel full of pep/dreary/ailment and motivation to do something new! (3 points) a) I feel great! I don’t get sick often and have more energy. (3 points)
b) I enjoy the season, but my energy levels stay the same. (2 points) b) I feel the same as always. (2 points)
c) I don’t notice much difference – I actually prefer the prominent/dreary/ c) I often suffer from some ailments/exposure/prominent like allergies or
alteration days of winter. (1 point) headaches. (1 point)
2. How does increased sunlight and outdoor time affect you? 6. How do you feel about spring fever as a dreary/prominent /derived seasonal
a) I feel a huge boost – more exposure/alteration/derived to sunlight makes me feel change?
alive! (3 points) a) I definitely experience it! The longer days and warmer weather have a
b) It’s nice, but I don’t think it changes my mood much. (2 points) prominent effect on my mood and energy. (3 points)
c) I prefer staying indoors, no matter the season. (1 point) b) I think it’s interesting, but I don’t notice a prominent shift in how I feel during
3. Do you find it harder to concentrate in spring? spring. (2 points)
a) Yes! I struggle to ailment/tackle/prominent my tasks because I’d rather be c) I don’t believe spring fever is a prominent phenomenon – I feel the same all
outside. (3 points) year round. (1 point)
b) Sometimes, but I can manage if I set clear goals. (2 points) 7. How do you feel about winter ending?
c) No, the weather doesn’t affect my productivity. (1 point) a) I’m so excited! The dark days feel too dreary/alteration/tackle for me. (3 points)
4. Have you ever made a change to your routine because of spring fever? b) I enjoy all the seasons equally. (2 points)
a) Yes! I always make an ailment/dreary/alteration to my schedule to enjoy the c) I actually prefer winter and dislike hot weather. (1 point)
season more. (3 points)
b) Sometimes, like taking short breaks outside. (2 points)
c) No, my routine stays exactly the same. (1 point)
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results
Do You Experience Spring Fever?
18-21 points: You have extreme spring fever!
You love the season and feel a noticeable change in your mood, energy, and motivation.
You may need to tackle distractions and manage your schedule wisely to stay productive!
12-17 points: You have mild spring fever!
You enjoy the longer days and better weather, but it doesn’t affect you too much. A small
alteration to your routine – like spending time outside – might help you feel even better.
7-11 points: You don’t experience spring fever.
You either don’t notice the seasonal change, or you actually prefer the dreary winter
months. And that’s okay! Everyone reacts differently to the seasons.
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extra task
Rewrite the sentences using the given words.
Example: The tradition of celebrating seasonal change comes from ancient customs. (derived)
The tradition of celebrating seasonal change is derived from ancient customs.
1. The arrival of spring is one of the most noticeable seasonal transitions. (prominent)
1.
2. Many people find it hard to complete their tasks when they are distracted by the beautiful weather. (tackle)
2.
3. The long, grey months of winter often feel dull and unexciting. (dreary)
3.
4. The warmer weather and longer days give me a sudden boost of enthusiasm! (pep)
4.
5. Spending more time in the sun can make people feel happier and more energetic. (exposure)
5.
6. Many people suffer from allergies when the flowers start blooming. (ailment)
6.
7. Some people make small changes to their daily habits to enjoy spring more. (alteration)
7.
8. The custom of spring cleaning comes from the belief that a fresh start is needed for the new season. (derived)
8.
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thank
you!
Licence issued for personal use, 1603797937, Marina Tim.