As the cold winter days slowly fade into a fog of memories, that first sight of the sun in spring always feels like a literal representation of the light at the end of the tunnel trope. We have the same 365 days on repeat every year so why is it that when the sun decides to make an appearance, we all collectively feel a little more positive?

The most glorious days in winter are those that have a cold bite in the air and the sun shines strong. But how common are they really? Most winters consist of opening the curtains to grey skies or rain or grey skies and rain. It feels like Groundhog Day, and I don’t help that feeling with the fact that I have the same conversations, regarding the state of the weather, on repeat to those around me. It’s almost like my way of coping with the bleakness of a British winter is to talk about said bleakness. But everything changes when spring finally decides to rock up.

For me, the sun makes me forget all the previous days’ problems. It makes me feel ambitious, determined, and gives me a sense of drive to break my lifelong habit of sleeping in too long. I am more of a night owl, yet the summer sun makes me want to wake up early with the birds, prepare a juicy bowl of fruit and sit outside soaking up the sun from as early as possible. Whether I ever get to achieve that idealistic routine is another matter.

Ultimately, the Vitamin D that the sun shares with us is a good explanation as to why our mood suddenly flourishes in the warmer months. As well as increasing our supply of this vital nutrient, sunlight also is known to help improve sleep and general well-being by boosting moods, relaxation and decreasing depression.

Whether it’s the heat, the glow or the endless opportunities that the sun provides, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that changes our mood in such a short time. I think one of the reasons I swoon over the first sight of the sun is because it represents the months of excitement to come: time away from academia, holidays, light evenings, beer gardens, exploring the outdoors and a general community buzz.