Have you noticed how you and those around you have a certain spring in your step as the weather gets warmer? This time of year is often thought of as the period when we feel most positive. In fact, spring is so inextricably linked with a sunnier outlook
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Have you noticed how you and those around you have a certain spring in your step as the weather gets warmer?
This time of year is often thought of as the period when we feel most positive. In fact, spring is so inextricably linked with a sunnier outlook that the U.N. General Assembly decided in 2013 that March 20, the first day of spring, should become International Happiness Day.
What is it about this time that makes us feel more energetic? When we laugh with friends, we release endorphins. Seeing plants and buds on trees reminds us of all the beautiful things that spring brings. Obviously, most important is the combination of increased light and warmth. When it’s dark outside, our melatonin levels rise and cause us to feel sleepy. That means we have to work harder to stay alert during the long periods of darkness each day. The arrival of spring brings more daylight, so we can enjoy the energy that is no longer needed to fight off drowsiness.
I can feel it in our Rocky Point Walk and Talk. We meet on Tuesday mornings and Thursdays late afternoon. You can tell by everyone’s mood that there is an extra spring in our step as we relish the sun shining on our faces. The increased light also triggers the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps us feel happier. The rising temperature means we’re more likely to be active, and as a result we release endorphin, the hormone that helps with pain and boosts your mood.
So to break it down, sunlight makes us happy.,,so bring it spring!
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