Throughout the cold and dark of the winter months many of us long for spring. The time for rebirth, renewal of growth, green shoots and a thousand and one other clichés. The word “spring” has several meanings. It is to suddenly jump upwards or forwards, a natural source of water, a fitment in a chair or bed and of course it is also the season between winter and summer.

So what is so special about spring?

– Increased temperatures meaning that plants and grass begin to grow and that we can all start to unravel ourselves from scarves, gloves and winter coats.

– Increased light levels giving gardeners more time to spend pottering and sowing our seeds.

– The longer days means more time soaking up that natural vitamin D our beautiful Sun has to offer.

What's so good about the sun?

Melatonin also lowers stress reactivity and being outside will help your body naturally regulate melatonin, which can help reduce your stress level. Additionally, because you're often doing something active when you’re outside (walking, playing, etc.), that extra exercise also helps to lower stress.

Vitamin D is also critical for your immune system, and with consistent exposure to sunlight, you can help strengthen it. A healthy immune system can help reduce the risk of illness, infections, some cancers, and mortality after surgery.

It’s not just in your head; there’s a scientific reason being in the sunshine improves your mood. Sunshine boosts your body’s level of serotonin, which is a chemical that improves your mood and helps you stay calm and focused. Increased exposure to natural light may help ease the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder--a change in mood that typically occurs in the fall and winter months when there are fewer hours of daylight.

These are just a few reasons why Spring is not 'just another season of the year' But a rejuvenating, life-replenishing, period of which we look to enjoy before welcoming summer.