If you’re feeling an extra spring in your step, you’re not alone! Scientists tell us that the start of spring can radically improve your mood and that those longer, warmer, sunnier days – with a promise of summer – bring an extra bit of cheer, and a feeling of happiness and hopefulness to most of us. Not convinced? Take a look at these scientific reasons* why springtime brings a little bit of happiness.
1. Warmer, longer days
The end of a particularly challenging winter is welcomed by many. And even more so if you’ve been stuck inside for months on end due to a lockdown. Days slowly get longer with more daylight hours and the arrival of warm sunshine means you can finally ditch your winter layers.
But these extra hours of daylight can be a major mood-enhancer too, say scientists, as exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known as “the happy chemical”, and is associated with boosting your mood and helping you feel calm and focused.
2. Sunshine vitamin D
Not only does exposure to sunlight increase the production of serotonin. It also triggers your body to produce Vitamin D, which is important for keeping your bones healthy and your muscles working well. Not enough Vitamin D can cause aches and pains in your muscles and lead your bones to become soft and break easily.
During the winter months, it can be especially difficult to get enough sun exposure for your body to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D. Spring is the perfect time to boost your Vitamin D levels, and scientists say you need just 10 minutes outside each day in the sun for your body to produce its daily dose of Vitamin D.
3. Flowers are blooming
Isn’t it amazing what a little sunlight can do for your garden? Suddenly, all around you flowers are blooming, grass is growing and the trees are getting their leaves back. Studies show that looking at flowers can actually make you feel happy! And leave you happy for days.
But as pretty as your garden looks, it’s working hard for you too. Plants take in about 25 per cent of our carbon emissions and produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. So they play a vital role in keeping our air clean and breathable!
4. Outdoor activity
Warmer days means more time outside without having to layer up with winter woolies. Studies show that taking walks in nature can slow your heart rate and help you feel more relaxed. In fact, just 30 minutes outside in the warm, sunny air improves mood and memory, say scientists.
Let’s face it, the warmer weather also makes it easier to exercise outside and, no matter the weather, exercise is beneficial to good health and mood. So get out there and soak up some springtime.
Spring is also a great time to think about buying and selling property. If you’re in the market for a new home – or your first home – get in touch with our team of mortgage advisers to talk about your finance needs. With access to a panel of lenders and experience in connecting our clients with the right lender, we’ll help you make an informed choice or plan ahead so you can get onto the property ladder.
Reference:
*https://dailycollegian.com/2017/04/the-wonderful-science-behind-spring-happiness/
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