March is the greatest time of year for folks like me fortunate enough to live in a place where the seasons actually change. After months of dreary skies, lifeless vegetation, and bitter cold, the longer days and higher temperatures give me a palpable sense of energy and excitement.
The benefits of the impending spring extend way beyond the obvious however; there are deeper, less perceivable physiological advantages as well. For example, increased sunlight exposure triggers the body’s production of vitamin D, which strengthens bones, boosts immune function, elevates mood and helps regulate our circadian rhythm, making it easier to wake up naturally and sleep more soundly at night. And we should not forget its impact on mental health—higher serotonin levels from sunlight exposure can reduce anxiety and ward off the melancholy sometimes brought on by winter. It’s no coincidence then that countries with limited sunlight, particularly those in the far north, experience higher rates of depression and alcoholism – sorry Sweden – in the spring my block is the happiest place on Earth.
Beyond mood and energy, warmer temperatures offer other health benefits – better circulation, lower blood pressure and reduced strain on the heart. And with the longer days and warmer temperatures we tend to move a lot more—whether it’s a morning walk, the bike ride I’ll be taking this afternoon, or just being outside longer— it’s no wonder people come out of hibernation feeling rejuvenated. I’ve also noticed that despite knowing there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, as I get older, my patience for the winter is wearing thin. I never thought I’d say something like this but maybe my grandparents had it right when they fled the dismal Brooklyn winters and relocated to South Florida. Although, for those of us who decided to stay behind, spring’s arrival is a well-earned reward, and because we’re forced to endure those winter days, it’s also a reminder that it is often darkest before dawn.
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'”
— Robin Williams
