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Ever heard of this word? I hadn’t until my wife told me about it. It’s pronounced frewyars moodig kuyt according to yourdailygerman.com1. I don’t speak a word of German, so we’ll have to rely on outside sources. This word literally means “spring tiredness,” and Wikipedia defines it as “a temporary mood typically characterized by a state of low energy and weariness experienced by many people in springtime”2.
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I know what you’re thinking: “It’s not even spring yet.” That’s very true. It’s very early March, and in some parts of the country, it’s still snowing (despite the dry season for much of the country). Yet, in some ways, this word seems appropriate. The end of February/beginning of March have never been my favorite time of year. When I lived in Michigan, it was usually around this time that I had grown tired of the snow and overcast days. I yearned to see the green grass and feel the warm sun of summer on my skin.
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Now that I live in sunny Southern California, I don’t have to worry about the snow (or even the overcast days, for that matter). During the day there’s sun, but, as with all of us, the winter days are shorter with less actual light. I’ve never been diagnosed, but I must have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I’ve always had a certain lethargy during this time of the year, the Frühjahrsmüsdigkeit I mentioned earlier. I find it a bit harder to get out of bed in the morning (I’m typically up and in the shower at five AM), and I don’t feel as quick or sharp as during the summer months. I definitely suffer from spring tiredness.
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However, we can’t feel sorry for ourselves or let this kind of thing get the better of us, so here are a few suggestions from one SAD sufferer to all of you out there feeling the same.
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Release Some Energy - Open your window one morning and yell out to the world, “Frühjahrsmüdigkeit!!!!!!” Sound echoes better in the early morning cool air, and this will help you shake off the doldrums. German is the perfect language for this kind of thing. Those of you living in apartments or condos might want to either avoid this one or get ready to have some angry neighbors yelling back at you. Then again maybe all that arguing in the morning will help motivate you!
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Get Organized - Now that you’ve avoided being murdered by your neighbors after yelling Frühjahrsmüdigkeit!!!!, it’s time to get organized. The first step to getting rid of the blahs is simply to do something - anything. Go take a hike somewhere to get your blood moving and elevate your respiratory rate. Take in a movie. Do something fun and different.
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Make a List - Next, make a list of the things you want to accomplish over the short term (no more than one to two months). This one can be tricky, though, so be careful. If you make a long ambitious list, it might become overwhelming, and you end up procrastinating – which doesn’t help at all. Start with easy things that are quickly accomplished, progressing toward those bigger projects. A little momentum goes a long way.
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Complete Something - Actually complete something on the list. Yes, making the list is great, but actually doing something is better. Remember to focus on the low-hanging fruit so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
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Reward Yourself - You’ve survived your neighbors’ lynch mob, made a list, and accomplished something. Now it’s time to enjoy. Take in a movie. Do something fun and different. Don’t you like how I took the same rewards from number two? I know! The more rewards the better, right?
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If you’re like me and suffer from spring tiredness try this method to climb out of the doldrums. Maybe it will help you get by, and if it doesn’t at least you got a chance to yell, “Frühjahrsmüdigkeit!!”
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