By Nikki Bauman
The contrast of fresh powdered snow amplified by a background of cerulean vastness is one of nature’s finest vistas. Fellow outdoor enthusiasts refer to these conditions as “bluebird” days, a term routinely followed with hooting, hollering, and high-fiving between friends and strangers gathering on the ski hill to worship the good weather.
Why do we have more fun in the sun? It isn’t the scenery; it’s chemistry. As living organisms, harvesting energy from the sun is crucial for regulating homeostasis. Our bodies literally crave sunshine, especially in the winter when it’s harder to come by as days are shortened, offsetting our mood as a result.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, sending signals from neurons to target cells. It is one of the oldest components of the nervous system found in the Animal Kingdom, derived over a billion years ago from a line of molecules releasing energy derived from the sun. In sea urchins, it controls appetite. In higher order mammals, it regulates sleep patterns. In humans, it functions as an anti-depressant to regulate the brain’s emotional state. Continue reading