Warm weather has a way of loosening the weight on our shoulders we didn’t realise we were carrying. As the days become longer and the light lingers into the evening, life begins to feel a little more spacious. People pile outdoors, colours sharpen, the world becomes brighter and even ordinary routines take on a gentler rhythm. Summer doesn’t just change the landscape around us, it shifts something inside us too, nudging our mood upward and reminding us of what it feels like to move through the world with a bit more ease.
The real question is, why does this happen? Well, Science shows that when days are longer, it boosts our serotonin levels because more daylight is being produced. According to the National Library Of Medicine, Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is linked to mood and motivation, and when sunlight hits the retina, it triggers the brain to produce more of it, hence why humans often feel more energised as the sun comes out. Did you know? Serotonin turnover is significantly higher in summer, and it correlates directly with the duration of bright sunlight exposure. This was demonstrated in a study measuring serotonin levels in 101 healthy men, showing a strong seasonal pattern.
However, it is important to be mindful that not everyone feels better in summer. Some people experience heat-related stress, disrupted sleep, or even summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder. Personality also plays a role: introverts may find the pressure to constantly socialise to be exhausting, and people who prefer cooler, quieter environments might feel out of sync with the season’s intensity. Recognising these variations doesn’t make summer a bad thing though. Being aware that seasons and seasonal changes to mood impact the lives of people, can make it more inclusive, reminding us that seasonal shifts are different for everyone.
So, as summer rolls around the corner, it is important to be mindful that everything is easing up a bit. The evenings stretch out, the air feels softer, and suddenly the days do not seem quite so packed or heavy. It’s as if the season is giving us permission to slow down, wander outside, and breathe a little easier. Even the subtle things, like a warm breeze, a late sunset, or the sound of people spilling into parks, can create a positive day. Whether summer fills you with energy or simply offers a small lift, it’s a reminder that light has a quiet way of changing us all.
Charlotte, Yr12
Boston High School