Could Spring be the best season?

Now that daylight savings has started, spring has definitely sprung! As usual, the weather has been a very mixed bag, with warm sunny days interspersed with cold, cloudy, rainy ones. However, it does feel like change is in the air, and we can start looking forward to the summer months – in the not too distant future.

Some people have a preference for either summer or winter, but here are some benefits of spring, backed up by science!

1. Moderate temperatures
   
   Spring marks the transition between winter and summer. The Earth’s axis is angled between its closest and furthest position from the sun, where temperatures are most extreme. You can finally lose the winter layers.
2. There are (literally) more hours in a day
   
   Following the spring equinox, when the Earth’s horizon is perfectly aligned with the Sun, the days begin lasting longer and the nights get shorter. That means you have more time in the day to get things done!
3. There are baby animals everywhere
   
   Spring is time for reproduction because food is plentiful. Baby lambs, chicks and goats are born and frolicking around, and it’s a great time to take your children to visit petting zoos or farms so they can see them close up.
4. You feel happier and energised!
   
   Exposure to sunlight increases the hormone serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel happy. Also, this decreases the chemical melatonin in your body during the day and increases it at night, which helps you sleep better.
5. Your pets shed their coats (a mixed blessing!)
   
   Pets grow extra thick fur to keep themselves warm during the winter. Although it’s messy when pets shed their winter coats, they feel lighter and are more lively!
6. You can open your windows and doors
   
   With warm weather comes warm air. Open your windows and doors to allow the breeze to refresh your home.
7. You can dry your washing outside
   
   There’s nothing like the smell of fresh laundry when it’s been dried out in the fresh air. Other bonuses include not using electricity to run your drier, no unsightly clothes horse cluttering up your lounge and clothes often don’t need ironing if you put them away straight from the line!
8. You can get your vitamin D naturally (although with caution)
   
   Sunlight triggers your body to produce vitamin D3, which keeps your bones strong. Here in New Zealand that comes with the caveat that the UV from the sun is strong here and will cause your skin to burn, so it is important to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap!

Enjoy the rest of spring - the flowers, leaves budding on the trees, and the knowledge that winter is over and summer is just around the corner.