Hanna Hunt
What is happiness? It’s a question everyone asks. For some, it’s the smile of a loved one; for others, it’s a moment of peace in nature. But did you know that happiness can also be explained biologically? This is all thanks to what we call "happiness hormones".
Happiness Hormones – What Are They?
Happiness isn’t just an abstract feeling. It’s caused by specific chemicals in our bodies known as happiness hormones. The most well-known of these is serotonin, which influences our mood, energy, and overall well-being. Serotonin is produced when we feel calm, content, and warmed by sunlight. Other happiness hormones include dopamine, responsible for motivation and reward, and endorphins, which give us a sense of euphoria, especially after physical activity.
How do these hormones get produced? A simple walk in the sun, physical exercise, or moments of relaxation on the beach can boost their levels. Sunlight has a major impact on serotonin production, and longer days can literally make us happier. This is why spending time in sunny places, where the days last longer, can provide us with more happiness.
Our Week in Málaga – 14 Extra Hours of Happiness!
At the beginning of October, thanks to Ms Burzyńska and Ms Pączkowska, the Year 1 and 2 Spanish classes had the incredible opportunity to spend a week immersing themselves in both the language and culture of Spain. Our week in sunny Málaga was not only filled with learning but also with a generous dose of sunshine, and with it, a boost in happiness! How? It’s simple math: in Málaga, the sun sets at 8:00 PM, compared to 6:00 PM back home in Warsaw. This extra sunlight added up to 14 additional hours throughout the week, giving us the gift of more time to enjoy life and soak up the warmth.
How did we use this time? In many delightful ways!
Watching sunsets – There’s nothing quite as magical and peaceful as watching the sun dip below the horizon. Every evening spent on Málaga’s beaches not only gave us a breathtaking view, but also increased our serotonin levels as we took in more sun.
Sunbathing on the beach – Lying on the warm, golden sand and feeling the sun’s rays on our skin was the perfect way to relax. This allowed our bodies to produce more serotonin, leaving us feeling calm and content.
Active adventures – We explored the city, hiked the nearby hills, and even took brisk walks along the beach. Every bit of physical activity boosted our endorphin levels, giving us a sense of euphoria and energy. It was a true happiness boost!
Sunlight – Our Ally in Boosting Happiness
Our trip to Málaga emphasized just how transformative sunlight can be for our mood and overall well-being. The extra 14 hours of sunshine not only lifted our spirits, but also filled us with energy and positive emotions. Engaging in outdoor activities, relaxing in the sun and being with our friends was a simple yet effective way to enhance the production of happiness hormones like serotonin and endorphins.
So, whether at home or traveling, let’s embrace every opportunity to soak up the sunshine. Even small moments spent outdoors can profoundly impact our mental and physical health, reminding us to savor the joy of connection and the uplifting power of the sun. And even though we might not have much sun in Warsaw in the coming months, let’s instead cherish the moments spent with our friends and gain happiness from them.
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