While the rest of the world is waking up as the weather turns warm, our bodies may not respond the same way. Many of us may share the same feeling of inexplicable¹ drowsiness² as we embrace spring, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a term for it: chunkun, "spring sleepiness".

Although spring sleepiness is not an illness, the following tips might be essential for those who really need to stay awake.

1. Don't sleep more, exercise more

Eight hours of sleep is usually enough for adults. Getting longer sleep may reduce activity in the cerebral³ cortex, making people sleepier. Instead, slightly increase the level of your physical activity, which will help to send more oxygen to the brain, making us feel awake and energetic. Aerobic⁴ exercise, such as jogging, swimming and rope skipping, are recommended.

2. Fight back with caffeine but do not overdose

A cup of coffee or tea that contains a good amount of caffeine is good for the health, and is important to keep us alert for important occasions, such a crucial meeting. However, too much coffee may cause an accelerated heartbeat, anxiety and other symptoms that may be linked to heart problems.

3. More protein and fruits, and less greasy⁵ foods

Modern research finds that sleepiness in spring is usually accompanied by insufficient⁶ protein, vitamins and an imbalance of internal acid. To feel light and alert, eat more food that is high in protein, such as salmon⁷ and eggs; rich in vitamins, such as citrus and lemon and alkaline foods, such as fresh vegetables. Greasy foods and alcohol will have the reverse effect.

4. Splash cold water on your face

If a cup of coffee doesn't keep you awake long enough, try splashing cold water on your face, which is always refreshing⁸. Also try brushing your teeth with mint-scented toothpaste, or use mouthwash.

5. Get some fresh air

Make sure that air flows properly in your office and bedroom. Bad air flow will lead to insufficient oxygen, which will affect the brain's performance. Also go outdoors to get close to nature.

6. Drink enough water

Try to always have a bottle of water next to you, as it can help to eliminate accumulated toxins¹⁰ and help to fight spring fatigue¹¹. You can also add slices of lemon to ginger¹² it up and make it vitamin-rich.

7. Find the natural scent⁹ that awakes you

Smelling an aromatic¹³ oil, plant or herb is one way to wake up our senses. Try placing a pot of fresh mint or basil on your office desk, or apply some pungent¹⁴ feng you jing, a special medicated oil used to relieve headaches and minor¹⁵ aches.

If none of the above tips work for you, you should be fine by the end of April.