March 21 is marked by fire in many calendars of many homes. And it is that spring officially begins. The arrival of this season causes in some people a feeling of freedom and warmth, especially since it comes just after the coldest time of the year. And the cold is usually associated with seclusion, sadness and loneliness.
And it is that spring is associated with life, birth and renewal. After a winter in which the days were short and the nights long, just the opposite arrives: little by little the day is gaining ground and we have more hours of daylight. In addition, the flowers begin to sprout and, if the rainy season has worked correctly, the green areas of the city will present themselves with their best face.
Does science have to say anything about it? One of the best-known studies linking spring season and happiness dates from 2008 and was carried out by the American psychologist David Myers. In that study, people reported higher levels of happiness and well-being in spring and summer compared to the other seasons. And this had a main culprit: more stable weather and increased exposure to sunlight.
Another study conducted by the University of Michigan in 2014 concluded that sun exposure in spring and summer positively affected people. The participants reported an improvement in their mood, their energy level and their ability to focus when the sun hit them the most.
One of the most important effects of sun exposure is the production of vitamin D. This vitamin, in addition to being very important for the bones, is a determining factor in our state of mind. In addition, the sun also affects the circadian rhythm, which is what controls the sleep-wake cycle and determines a quality rest. If we rest well at night, we will be able to concentrate more effectively throughout the day, thus being more productive.
In addition, it has also been shown that if we are exposed to the sun we release endorphins, neurotransmitters that produce a feeling of well-being and happiness. In addition to endorphins, it can also increase the production of serotonin, another neurotransmitter that helps us to have a positive mood.
After the clouds and seclusion comes the sun and spend more hours away from home. And we can feel lucky, since Spain has many hours of sunshine per year. Let’s take advantage of its benefits!
