Sun’s out smiles are in: why the good weather makes us happy!

With the promise of brighter skies in this week to come, many will be thinking of their cheerful moods during the sunnier months. It almost seems like sunshine and happiness come hand in hand, and this article will discuses why this idea is true.

As we are more exposed to the sun in the warmer months our serotonin and dopamine levels rise. The sunshine boosts serotonin levels in the brain and also releases endorphins in the skin. Outcomes of this combination of chemicals that are released? You feel better and more positive.

Being in the sunshine directly benefits our health as the skin is able to produce vitamin D, which directly links to immune system and bone health. This promotes physical wellbeing and helps us ‘feel good’. And lack of recommended dosage of sunlight may lead to deficiencies.

The disorder SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a condition evidencing that the weather does affect our mood. It is a state of depression caused by the changing of seasons, causing symptoms like low mood and lack of energy because of reduced sunlight. Less sunlight intake is believed to cause disruption of the body’s natural clock system, decreased vitamin d levels and effects on our body’s neurotransmitters. This includes serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is the “happy hormone” that was mentioned earlier, it carries a chemical message that enables mood regulation, negitive emotion managment and many other vital functions. SAD leads to decreased levels of serotonin, effecting the individuals mood and emotional status. On the contrary, the condition cases a spike in melatonin levels. This hormone is usually triggered by the fading of light or darkness, as it usually responds to such stimuli by preparing the body to sleep. Some of the body’s responses to melatonin includes lowered temperature , decreased blood pressure and lowered alertness all factors contributing to sleepiness. However as SAD brings about a higher proportion of melatonin and so a range of symptoms mentioned earlier are brought about. Including fatigue and sleeping much more than usual.

To prevent such disorder’s and symptoms try to maximise your sunlight intake daily! Being in the sun more (but not too much) is scientifically proven to simple make you feel better and even improve your phsycial health.

Writing this article while basking in the golden midday sunshine, I cannot help but reminisce on GCSE summer. This train of thought also brings exam season to mind. I found that during my mocks and exams going for a walk or run drastically improved my frame of mind after a long, challenging day. So, my point of an advice for the year 11 and 13’s who are drawing close to exam but also anyone who may be feeling down, is to enjoy the glorious spring sunshine !