Happiness Can Come From Something As Simple As The Sun

By Ally DePaulo

March 30. 2023

Many people have tried to discover the true source of happiness, proposing things that seem much easier said than done. Millions of websites say to lower your stress levels, you should exercise, and eat healthier. But what if the key to happiness is as simple as the sun.

There has always been something comforting about looking forward to summer, knowing that it's warm and we have free time to sit in the sun or go to the lake or the beach. All winter I daydream about driving around, windows down and music blasting, with my favorite sunglasses on my head. It might sound silly, but I don’t think there is any better feeling than simply sitting in the sun, soaking up all its rays.

Winter has never been good to me, as I’m sure it hasn’t been to many, with the drowsy feeling of isolation and seasonal depression. It seems like my world suddenly flips to gloomy and gray. Waking up in the middle of the night to find more blankets, seeing the almost-black slush on the roads, and wearing layers upon layers never seemed to provide me any comfort.

It is no secret that the weather has an effect on our moods and well-being. When a single ray of sun hits your skin, your brain is triggered to release serotonin, which boosts your mood and gives a feeling of overall calmness.

I have read that living in a warmer place is not the direct key to happiness, but I can’t help but disagree with that. For some people, like me, warm weather helps us thrive and have a better mindset. I do not think there is any shame in needing a boost for ourselves, even if it comes from something that does not seem like a big deal to others.

People underestimate the level of Vitamin D and serotonin levels they need. It has been found that the risk of developing certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases may be higher in people who live in northern climates. This leads scientists to think this might be linked with northerner’s lower levels of vitamin D.

My love for the sun came from appreciation of the summer season. It is great not having school and no snow, but for me the summertime means so much more than that. There is something about the indescribable feeling of the sun’s warmth that just fills my soul. To me, it feels like catching up with an old friend after a long time apart. Yet, in order to have such an appreciation for the summer sun, I guess we must be thankful for the fall and winter that bring new things to blossom for the spring.