By Mariella Neri

“Vitamin D actively fights depression by increasing serotonin, the hormone key in stabilizing mood and increasing happiness.” I believe that vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is an essential component to be a fulfilled individual. It causes a surge of serotonin to activate throughout your body when the warmth of the sun radiates off your skin. When I view freckles sprinkling across my face and the presence of tan lines taking form it has the ability to shift my mood in an instant. The power the sun has over my entire being is immaculate. It creates a desire to constantly be out in the fresh air interacting with mother nature. Being able to become serene and my most confident self by taking a hot girl walk zoning out reality. With my noise cancellation headphones pumping out a bomb ass beat or an encouraging podcast. Most of all, soaking up the rays by spending the day at the beach seems to diminish all my problems. Laying there for hours, body surfing, consuming a smorgasbord of food, and being with friends and family is my peak happiness.  

When the seasons begin to change and the sun goes into hibernation, my seasonal depression kicks in at full force. Growing up in the north I experienced this withdrawal yearly. Grasping on to the last days of summer and fall, pleading to get another beach day in. Then my worst nightmare would occur, daylight savings. This triggered a siren in my brain. Signally I would be bundled up, trudging through snow, only wanting to lay in my bed for eternity, and worst of all be extremely pale. I swear winter is cozy for all 20 minutes of sitting by a fire, drinking hot chocolate, and watching movies until the most prominent source of vitamin D is stolen away by darkness and snow. 

Overall, the exposure to sunlight correlates to a better mood and genuine happiness. Personally I feel more active and in tune with myself when heat circulates throughout my body on a vibrant day. This may not be a universal feeling for all people. However, vitamin D is a necessity to be a healthy and well nourished individual. Emphasizing that we all require the incredible sensation that the sun provides.