Do you notice you’re in a good mood more often during the summer? Lots of us do and there are several reasons this season has so many people feeling happier. Here’s why you may feel a positive shift in your mood in the summer and how you can keep that feeling going all year long.
- The sun is a mood booster - Summer is the time of year people spend a lot of time outside, surrounded by nature and soaking up the sun. Exposure to sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which is sometimes called the body’s natural “feel-good chemical.” Just spending more time in the sun can help boost your mood throughout the year.
- We’re more active - When it’s cold and gray outside in the winter, it can be harder to find the motivation to work out. But in the warm summer weather, we’re more likely to be outside swimming, playing sports, riding bikes and hiking. All that exercise helps us feel healthier, stronger, and happier and continuing that during the rest of the year will help keep your mood elevated.
- There’s lots of socializing - Between barbecues, pool parties and outdoor movie nights, this season gives us many chances to be surrounded by people. Spending time with friends and family can be a huge boost to moods and makes summer a lot of fun. It may take more of an effort to organize events in the colder months, but game nights and other social events can help you avoid the winter blues.
- It’s the season for vacations - People often take trips during the summer because the kids are out of school and vacations definitely make us happier. To keep that positive summer mood going all year, schedule some travel time during the winter and you’ll have a trip to look forward to for months.
SOURCE: NY Post