Spring Fever – Fact or Fiction?

“It’s spring fever…. You don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

-Mark Twain

Texas Sun

Today marks the beginning of spring. Here in Texas, the sun is shining longer each day, vibrant green grass is beginning to appear, and the birds are starting to be more and more active. It’s a wonderful time indeed. Spring fever, as they say, is in the air.

Fact of Fiction?

Researchers have long held the belief that spring fever is actually scientific fact.

One popular theory states that the increasing intensity and duration of sunshine is first measured by our brains. This information is then transferred to the pineal gland in the base of the cerebrum which subsequently triggers the reduction of melatonin (chemical that makes us sleepy).

And the result? Why spring fever of course!

Finland in the Summer

I used to work for Nokia, and as such I traveled to Finland numerous times.

Let me just say, Helsinki in July is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. There are flowers everywhere, people are out roller blading and jogging, and everyone’s spirit seems to be soaring.

Finland in Winter

Contrast this with Finland in December. Sunlight rarely shines, it is very cold, and I would be less than honest if I didn’t admit to growing a little depressed during these trips. If it weren’t for the wonderful saunas (and no, I never jumped in the ice cold lake after) I may not have survived.

Exploiting Spring Fever

So you see, I am of the opinion that spring fever is real. I find my mind soaring with ideas about my work, family, and future. I am also busy creating plans for how I want to exploit these ideas.

So, if you feel yourself coming down with this same spring fever, I welcome you to let your mind loose.

As it relates to lean and six sigma, perhaps you might allow spring fever to power you forward with the value stream mapping exercise you have been thinking about.

Or maybe you feel it’s time to ask your boss about that black belt training you have long wanted to take.

Whatever it is, I welcome you to go after it. It’s time to release the winter blues and welcome the newness of spring time back into your life.

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