Does springtime effect our mood and productivity?

Weekly Topic: Does springtime affect our mood and productivity?

Svitlana Deikalo

1. Being outdoors improves mood.
 
This was proven by a study conducted in 2004 at the University of Michigan. Scientists note that even those who spent only 30 minutes outside were happier than those who stayed at home.
 
Research has also shown that walking in the fresh air can improve thinking and reduce stress.
 
2. ... but not in summer.
 
Although summer brings sunny days and bright colors, people are at greater risk of heat stroke and dehydration during the warm season, the same Michigan State University study found.
 
Both of these conditions can affect mood or behavior, and in the worst case, also damage the brain.
 
 
People are at high risk of heat stroke and dehydration during the warm season. Photo by vladvitek/Depositphotos
3. We are happier when the days are longer.
 
Daylight saving time often has people grumbling "Are we losing sleep time?!", but it does have one positive: more sunlight.
 
The winter type of seasonal affective disorder (SAD, seasonal depression) is mainly associated with short daylight hours, explains Kelly Rohan, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont.
 
4. However, some people are more susceptible to SAD during the summer.
 
Although it is much less common than in the winter, some people suffer from seasonal depression in the spring and summer. Moreover, the diagnosis and treatment of this type of depression is a more difficult task, clarifies Professor Rohan.
 
Experts suggest that in warmer weather, SAD is exacerbated by excessively high temperatures and humidity.
 
 
High temperatures contribute to increased reproduction. Photo by Subbotina/Depositphotos
5. High temperatures contribute to increased reproduction.
 
In Europe, the birth rate in March is 10% higher compared to other months, which means that babies were conceived in the month of June. Such data is published by Scientific American.
 
Studies also show that male testosterone and female hormones associated with ovulation are higher than average in June.
 
6. You can exercise more during the spring.
 
With warming, people begin to lead a more active lifestyle.
 
According to specialists from the University of North Carolina, this leads to "spring fever" and an increase in the level of endorphins in the blood.
 
7. Warm weather can make you more inventive.
 
A Michigan State University study also found that being outdoors can improve memory and broaden cognitive style, which is associated with the formation of more creative thoughts.

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This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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