Today was the first beautiful day of spring in Philadelphia. 

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The sun was shining, the sky was deep blue, the clouds, puffy and full, floated peacefully across the sky. Children played, filling the park with laughter. Dogs went on extra long walks today. 

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As I sat working inside, my window open, I longed to be outside. For a good portion of the day, it was all I could think about, until I realized how funny it is that we all, for the most part, feel the need to be outside when the weather is nice.

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It’s instinctual, so much to the point that we don’t even consciously think about it. When the weather is nice, we go outside. It’s as simple as 2+2.

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Naturally, I started to wonder why this is. What part of our psyche pushes us outside when the weather breaks in springtime? There’s several biological and psychological factors that come into play, so I’ve decided to outline a few of them below:

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1. Vitamin D synthesis: Exposure to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in our skin, which plays a vital role in various bodily functions like calcium absorption and immune system regulation. Spending time outdoors on sunny days helps ensure we get adequate levels of this essential nutrient.

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2. Mood enhancement: Exposure to natural sunlight can boost serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. This is why people often feel happier and more energized on sunny days. Conversely, lack of sunlight can lead to lower serotonin levels, which has been linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the darker months.

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3. Circadian rhythm regulation: Sunlight is crucial for regulating our internal body clock or circadian rhythm. Proper exposure to natural light during the day can help improve sleep quality and overall well-being by ensuring that our body clock is in sync with the natural day-night cycle.

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4. Physical activity: Nice weather encourages outdoor physical activities, which in turn can release endorphins, known as "feel-good" hormones. Exercise and physical activity have numerous mental and physical health benefits, including stress reduction and improved mood.

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5. Social interaction: Good weather conditions can foster social interactions, as people are more likely to engage in outdoor activities and events. Social connections contribute to psychological well-being and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

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6. Connection to nature: Spending time in natural environments, also known as "biophilia," can have numerous psychological benefits. Nature exposure has been linked to stress reduction, improved mental health, and increased feelings of happiness and well-being.

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In Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens wrote: “The bright sun, that brings back, not light alone, but new life, and hope, and freshness to man—burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory.”

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Thus, we need the sunshine more than we know. Get outside when you get the chance.