As days grow brighter we feel more energized and eager to get outside. The warm weather lifts our mood and sparks our sense of adventure.

As the cold of winter fades, the environment starts to buzz with the excitement of warm weather. Our days stretch longer and every beam of sunlight sends an invitation to us, to step outside, to explore, to enjoy the sun, to rediscover what makes the season truly feel alive. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, a walk in the coulees, or getting ready for summer activities, spring reminds us that adventure is worthwhile and something to look forward to. 

As the temperature continues to rise and the days grow longer, many people may find themselves drawn to the outdoors. A lot may be eager to shake off winter’s stillness and embrace the warmth that spring brings. 

This story explores different ways individuals choose to make the most of the warm season. 

According to an article on “Why you feel more social when it’s warm and less so when it’s cold” published in BelowClouds.com, “the weather has a profound impact on our daily lives, influencing everything from our clothing choices to our mood and even our social interactions. Many people report feeling more social and extroverted during warmer months, while colder winter days often lead to feelings of isolation and introspection.” 

Warmer weather often brings a noticeable lift in mood and energy, encouraging individuals to spend more time outside or be more social. As sunlight increases, it naturally boosts serotonin levels, helping people feel happier. 

“I love going outside more, whether it be hiking or just walking outside or playing outside with my little siblings. I find that it greatly increases my mood. I’m a lot more happy and I feel more energetic and joyful. And being outside definitely helps with that,” said Courtney Wert, a University of Lethbridge student taking Nursing. 

As the weather warms, our bodies respond with increased serotonin and dopamine levels, which elevate our mood and energy. This makes us more inclined to seek out activities, want to be more sociable and spend more time outside. 

According to an article on Summer soothes our senses and our souls published in HealthCentral by Amy Marturana Winderl on June 28, 2021, ‘’there’s an undeniable connection between weather and mood. Warmer months do tend to have an impact on our overall happiness and well being. We can attribute our improved mood partly to the indirect benefits that come with the warmer months. Sunshine actually has a direct impact on the chemicals that are swirling around in the brain that make us feel good.” 

Here are some ideas of activities to do as the weather continues to get warm. 

“When the weather warms up I want to take my girlfriend to a glacier hike in Waterton. Some other things I like to do when the weather warms up are hiking and swimming. One thing I want to do this year is skydiving. Bungee jumping, climbing obstacle courses in trees and caving are pretty cool as well,” says Cole Heath, a University of Lethbridge student taking Kinesiology. 

Here are five things that a nursing student from the University of Lethbridge says she likes to do when it starts to warm up. 

“I like going for walks, playing rugby, going camping, paddleboarding and watching sunsets or sunrises,” said Kashia Ajtay, a University of Lethbridge student taking Nursing. 

Another nursing student at the University of Lethbridge expresses her top five things that she likes to do when it starts to get warm. 

“I like going on long or short walks, camping, fishing, visiting British Colunbia, going to different festivities; whoop up days or Magrath days are fun to attend as well. Really doing any outdoor activities is really fun, especially when you get to enjoy the weather,” says Wert. 

Why does the warm weather help lighten an individual’s mood? Wert explains her thoughts. 

“I think it benefits me, in a way that just helps me clear my mind. I find that when I am distracted or just have a lot of things on my mind. Being outside just helps me reset, and it clears my mind and just allows me to really take in my beautiful surroundings. And I pay more attention to what’s out in the world, rather than just focusing inward on myself and what’s making me go crazy. I can just focus on the outdoors and enjoy nature and that  helps me have a better mindset,” says Wert. 

According to the same article titled Summer soothes our senses and our souls by Winderl, “light literally changes our brains on a physiological level. Sunlight affects the brain chemistry that is linked to both mood and sleep. Exposure to light regulates the sleep hormone melatonin. It also helps produce serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood and makes us feel good. Conversely, the brain also naturally converts serotonin into melatonin. And as we all know, better sleep equals better mood.” 

Warmer weather has a remarkable way of uplifting both body and mind. Ajtay, Heath and Wert all express how the warm weather affects their daily routines and mood. Ultimately, warmer days invite new adventures, foster individuals emotional and physical well being and help people reconnect with nature, with others and even help themselves overall.