How Seasonal Changes in Utah Affect Anxiety & Sleep
Ah, Utah in the spring—a time when we collectively crawl out of our winter caves, blinking into the sunlight like confused little groundhogs. The air smells fresher, the days are longer, and suddenly everyone’s acting like life is amazing again.
Which is funny, because just two weeks ago, my clients were coming into session saying things like, “I don’t know, I just feel so off. Everything is exhausting. I hate everything.” And now? Now I’m hearing, “I think I’m actually doing good! No complaints!” As if we didn’t just spend months talking about how everything felt impossible.
So, what changed? The weather, my friends. And it’s not just in your head.
Why Does Spring Feel Like an Emotional Reset?
Utah’s winters aren’t just cold—they’re dark. And let’s not forget the glorious gift of inversion season, when Salt Lake City turns into a bowl of pollution soup. Winter means less sunlight, less outdoor time, and for many, a serious dip in mood, energy, and sleep quality. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real, and even if you don’t have full-blown SAD, the lack of sunlight still impacts your circadian rhythm, melatonin production, and serotonin levels. Translation: You feel like garbage.
Then, suddenly, spring shows up. The sun stays out past 5 p.m., you can walk outside without freezing your face off, and everything starts blooming. More daylight = more vitamin D, better sleep regulation, and a natural boost in serotonin. It’s no wonder you’re suddenly feeling like a functioning human again.
The Utah Weather Rollercoaster and Your Nervous System
Of course, Utah doesn’t just ease into spring. No, we get summer temps one day, then a snowstorm the next. This kind of extreme back-and-forth can be chaotic for your nervous system. Our bodies crave stability, and when the temperature swings wildly, your internal regulation can get thrown off, impacting sleep, mood, and energy levels. So if you’re feeling a little manic one week and exhausted the next, you’re not alone.
Altitude, Allergies, and Anxiety—Oh My!
Spring in Utah also means pollen levels spike, and if you’re prone to allergies, guess what? That inflammation can contribute to brain fog, fatigue, and—yep—anxiety. Add in the altitude factor (hello, dry air and dehydration), and you’ve got a recipe for feeling both wired and wiped out at the same time.
How to Work With the Seasons, Not Against Them
So, what can you do to ride this seasonal shift smoothly?
Soak Up the Sun – Even 10–15 minutes of natural sunlight in the morning can help reset your circadian rhythm and improve mood.
Regulate Sleep – The temptation to stay up later with more daylight is real, but try to keep your sleep schedule consistent.
Hydrate Like It’s Your Job – Higher altitude + changing temps = easy dehydration, which can mimic anxiety symptoms.
Move Your Body Outdoors – Even short walks outside can help stabilize mood and energy levels.
Give Yourself Some Grace – If your mood is bouncing around like Utah’s weather, be patient. Your nervous system is adjusting.
So, if you’ve been feeling “randomly” better lately—it's not random. And if you’re still struggling despite the sunshine? That’s okay too. Healing isn’t linear, and no amount of springtime serotonin will magically erase deep-seated stress. But hey, at least we don’t have to deal with inversion for a few months.
Happy Spring :)
Annalise