Spring into stormbreak

Heading into Springtime as we emerge from what has felt like a long and wet winter can feel like a positive time. While the season changes, so can our mood as we look forward to some brighter days ahead.

Longer days with brighter mornings and evenings can bring a natural brain boost as serotonin and vitamin D start to increase. Increased serotonin helps us to feel happier, more calm and can bring more focus to tasks we are doing. Chemical increases like these can help to calm children and make them more focused on learning and taking part in activities.

We are more likely to have a better quality of sleep during the lighter months too. While long, dark days might feel cosy, increased melatonin in our bodies makes us tired and sluggish, while increased sunlight does the opposite.

During Spring we should start to feel body clocks are resetting and sleep patterns improving.

While warm weather is not always guaranteed in the UK where stormbreak is based, when it does arrive we are more likely to get outside and move. Activities like going for walks and bike rides and being in green spaces and parks releases endorphins: the feel-good hormone that makes us happier, reduces stress and can make us less anxious. Where we can, moving in the great outdoors and the exposure to nature that brings can also decrease feelings of stress as natural environments reduce cortisol levels.

More generally, Spring can bring a feeling of a fresh start, with many people choosing this time of year to declutter, clean and organise living spaces and set new goals for the season ahead.

While our activities are adaptable to be done inside, stormbreak is enhanced by moving outdoors, connecting relationships and being in nature. Our collection of Natures Moves, created together with The National Trust can, in particular, bring greater connection when done outdoors.

Let’s stormbreak!

Here are some of our favourite Natures Moves stormbreaks to try this Spring:

Cloud Faces LINK TO https://www.stormbreak.org.uk/videos/relationships/v-137?id=0

Nature Snaps LINK TO https://www.stormbreak.org.uk/videos/self-worth/v-301?id=0

Make friends with a creature LINK TO https://www.stormbreak.org.uk/videos/relationships/v-350?id=0

Remember to log your stormbreaks to earn digital badges and downloadable certificates.

Anji Andrews, school engagement coach and community manager at stormbreak.

Anji is a former primary teacher with experience in EYFS, KS1 and 2. Anji delivers the stormbreak Surge programme and loves cycling, walking and reading in her spare time.