5 Ways Sunlight Not Only Improves Your Mood, But Your Life

"Do you see that out there? The strange, unfamiliar light? It's called the sun. Let's go get us a little." — Nora Roberts.

You woke up this morning, painfully stumbled out of bed and made your way to the nearby window.

You creaked the curtains open trying to assess how cold it could possibly be when it hit you.

There it was, that beam of light unexpectedly warming you up. You can’t believe your eyes. It’s finally here!

You gaze out at the people hurrying up outside; there are no more hats, no more woolen scarves or heavy jackets.

You walk down the street and it feels like it all turned into shades and spring dresses everywhere.

It’s that time of the year again; sunny days are just around the corner while every tiny ray of sun feels like an appetizer to better days.

And, here are five reasons you need to be outside, basking in every ray:

1. It’s like an equation for happiness

It’s an optimistic formula in which sun + you = good times coming. It popped back into our lives when we least expected it, just like very good news.

Soon enough, winter will lose its grip and let spring get in charge of our well-beings (unless you have allergies and in that case, I’m afraid spring is probably the worst season of all for you).

Still, it’s a new season, hence the perfect opportunity for a new beginning. And a new beginning is a new possibility; it sets you free.

The clothes on your body get just as light as the weight off your shoulder.

There’s something inspiring about sunny days. They put you in good moods, kind of like when your favorite song plays on the radio.

You find it easier to just stop whatever you’re doing for a minute and simply seize the moment, closing your eyes while the sun warms up your face.

It’s about that time of the year when you feel less likely to go mental because everything — no matter how bad or painful — actually feels less difficult to handle. That sounds like pretty happy times.

2. Smile! You’re looking better by the minute!

Let’s forget about the latest fashion trends for a minute and while we’re at it, let’s also put to the side the raging battles between all the newest diet trends.

Let’s focus on you trying on new clothes, or simply staring at the mirror and actually liking what you see.

It might sound very superficial, but it’s still highly valuable. Besides, everyone has a natural glow around this time of year, so what's not to love?

3. Vitamin D

The thing with sun is that it really is 50/50. If you think about it, it is kind of like alcohol — it’s the binge-drinking that isn’t good for us. The sun works the same way; binge-tanning can be dangerous.

Of course, we’ve been warned often enough, and for good reason, that sunshine isn’t our best friend. It can cause diseases and accelerate aging of the skin, among other things.

But, while we keep in mind all these warnings, the sun's better half can seriously do you some good. It can boost the body’s vitamin D supply as well as reduce stress.

Sunlight also increases our level of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates our appetite, sleep, memory and mood. So, next time you’re feeling blue, grab your sunscreen and go feel better.

4. Outdoor activities get much easier

Do you remember the internal debate you had not so long ago, when the snow and the temperatures below zero were still ruling your world? Then, worry no more!

While days get warmer, they also get longer. This means more time fooling around outside, socializing or exercising can eventually lead up to a better, sunnier mental and physical health profile.

5. Cleansing

Ever heard of spring cleaning? What about going beyond the walls of your house and why not take it all the way to your body and soul?

It’s the perfect time of the year to clear some physical and mental space. Make some room in your closet while you unleash your brighter, inner self.

So, sit back and relax; now is the time to kiss winter goodbye and let spring take over.

Just like Hemingway said:

"When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. "People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself."

So, come on now and bring it on, sunshine.