Why do we feel better when spring comes?
Spring is a waiting that has been the subject of songs. We look forward to his coming, we hope for his help, as if we know that he is giving us something good news. Spring is the harbinger of abundance, warmth, light and joy. With plenty of sunlight, flying butterflies, blooming flowers, fragrant fruits and chirping colors, there is a state of renewal that spring creates in us. If you ask me, there is a word that represents spring: Hope.
So, how do changes occur in our bodies with the arrival of spring and why do we feel better when spring comes?
The answer is hidden in serotonin. Serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, is a neurotransmitter that makes a person feel alive, fit and good. It is found in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract mucosa (the largest serotonin producer) and blood platelets in the body. Serotonin is synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is found in foods such as bananas, pineapple, plums, turkey and milk. In addition to body parts such as the brain, intestines, platelets, serotonin is also present in human skin tissue. This is closely related to the effect of the arrival of spring on us.
There are many studies showing that the release of serotonin in the body is related to sunlight. In a study by Lambert et al., it was found that the lowest levels of serotonin in blood samples taken from participants for 12 months were observed in samples taken during the winter season. In other studies, it has been observed that psychiatric phenomena such as mood disorders, anxiety, and suicide are associated with seasonal changes, and they can exacerbate especially in winter when the light is less. These studies point to the importance of sunlight directly stimulating the production of serotonin through the skin.
In the light of all this information, we can reconcile the positive effect of the arrival of spring on us. It feels good to produce more serotonin through our retina and skin, thanks to increased sunlight and warming of the air. So, what other secrets can make us feel good with the arrival of spring?
At the beginning of the article, I said that the word that best expresses spring is hope. In ancient cultures, the arrival of spring is greeted with enthusiastic celebrations. In the past, since the fruits and vegetables that we can reach today for 4 seasons are only eaten on time, people also turn inward and patiently wait for the abundance to show itself again in the period when nature is closed. Confident that abundance and diversity would come, perhaps she would have patiently weathered the harsh winter conditions. Because he never doubted that the hard days would be left behind and that the end of patience would be salvation. It is the hyacinth that blooms tirelessly every spring that gives it this certainty.
Nature is in a cycle where even the most beautiful or the most difficult conditions are temporary, from time to time introversion leads to abundance, hard conditions are needed for seeds to crack, the end of patience is salvation, hope must always be, whatever one's potential is, take steps to realize it without giving up. He shows us every year without getting tired of the fact that the end of spring is spring. Could there be a wiser, better teacher for the one who can see?
