Curated Texan
Many people experience a romantic spring fever when the much-anticipated warmer spring weather arrives, flowers bloom, and the days are longer.
It may seem like a lighthearted idea, but it is not without a basis in science. Explanations in the realm of psychology and biology suggest that the change in season can have a very real, and significant, impact on our mood and our behavior, according to Texas professional matchmaker, Julia McCurley of Something More.
1. Hormonal Influences
One of the primary reasons we experience spring fever is the changes in our bodies and their hormones. As daylight increases, the level of serotonin, which we sometimes refer to as the happiness hormone, is also on the rise. It is this increase in the concentration of serotonin that helps counteract the effects of melatonin, which is the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. So, as the days get longer, you might feel more on top of the world as our serotonin levels increase.
2. The Impact Of Sunlight
Sunlight has a vital role in controlling our mood. Spring is here, and sunlit days are getting longer in the Northern Hemisphere. We know that increased exposure to sunlight generally correlates with a boost in mood and energy levels. And what better time to talk about that than now, when some of us are finally emerging from winter darkness? Sociologist Dr. Julie Albright, whose work is at the intersection of technology and human relationships, highlighted some of these basic sun-mood connections in a new podcast for the University of Southern California.
3. Body Consciousness
When the mercury starts to climb, the layers people wear in winter come off, and they’re more conscious of their bodies. With the nice weather, there tends to be more outdoor activities with increased physical exertion if not actual exercise. That also contributes to—along with a more favorable look of the body—the feeling of sexiness.
4. Social Opportunities
People tend to stay inside during winter, but as the weather warms, we venture out of our homes into the vibrant world of spring. This newfound freedom increases social interaction among all of us, with the added touches of the festive atmosphere of spring leading us to take more chances—that is, to engage more openly and freely with others, including potential romantic partners.
5. Enhanced Energy Levels
Spring’s protracted daylight hours translate to more sunlight hitting Earth, and that—combined with the sun’s position in the sky—impacts our energy levels. With reduced melatonin production because of those increased hours of sunlight, the human body seems to have a little more pep in its step. And that can—sometimes, not always—translate into more social activities, especially as the weather warms up.
Embracing The Spring Season
To completely relish spring fever’s advantages and avoid its potential pitfalls, one has to pay attention to the body’s signals. Getting enough sun is key; the National Institutes of Health recommend half an hour of sunlight daily to keep vitamin D levels where they should be. More importantly, however, is not to try to keep the same indoor exercise routine of yesteryear. Replace it with outdoor workouts. Also, the kind of embrace-the-season sentimentality that leads to putting away winter clothes and participating in centerpiece-revealing spring cleaning can lift the mood. So, what are you waiting for?
