Summer Sunshine: Why the Longest Days Make Us Feel Our Best
The first day of summer has arrived, and with it comes longer days, warmer nights, and more sunlight than any other time of the year. It’s not just your imagination: those bright summer days really can make you feel happier. There’s actual science behind that sunny feeling.
The Science of Sunshine and Your Mood
Sunlight plays a powerful role in boosting mood, energy, and even sleep. That’s largely thanks to a feel-good chemical in your brain called serotonin.
When sunlight hits your skin, your body starts a chain reaction that boosts serotonin levels in your brain. Higher levels of serotonin are associated with better mood, increased focus, and a greater sense of calm. In fact, people often feel lower energy or experience the “winter blues” when they don’t get enough daylight, especially during the colder months.
Another benefit? Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which plays a key role in your immune system and mood regulation. While you can get vitamin D from food or supplements, sunlight is one of the most natural and effective sources.
More Light = More Life
The summer solstice—the first official day of summer—is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. That extra light means more time to enjoy the outdoors, move your body, and connect with others… all things that naturally contribute to happiness and well-being.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to go on a tropical vacation or hike a mountain to feel the benefits. Just stepping outside for 15–30 minutes a day can do wonders. Morning sunshine is especially effective because it helps reset your internal clock, making it easier to wake up in the morning and fall asleep at night.
According to experts at Harvard Medical School, exposure to natural light, especially in the early part of the day, can even help improve symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder.
How to Soak in the Season
Here are a few simple ways to bring more sunshine—and joy—into your summer days:
Take your coffee or breakfast outside. Starting your day with natural light is a great mood booster.
Go for a short walk at lunch. Even 10–15 minutes outside can reset your energy and clear your mind.
Create a summer evening ritual. Watch the sunset, tend to a garden, or sit on your porch with your favorite book.
Get social outdoors. Picnics, patio dinners, and outdoor yoga sessions are great ways to combine sunlight, movement, and connection.
Bring the sunshine in. If you’re stuck inside during the day, open the blinds and let natural light fill your space.
A Season of Natural Joy
Summer has a way of slowing us down and reminding us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: warm air, longer days, and the beauty of being outside. And now we know there’s science behind why those moments feel so good.
So today, on the first day of summer, take a moment to step outside and remember that sometimes, happiness really is just a walk in the sun.
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.
