Hi, I'm Julia and I’m originally from Germany, a country known for its efficiency, beautiful old cities, and – of course – its beer and the Oktoberfest. But like the rest of Northern Europe, it’s also known for its dark, grey, and rainy weather. And let me tell you, that reputation is well-earned!

One of the main reasons I decided to move to Australia was the weather. Since settling on the sunny East Coast, I’ve noticed a huge difference in people’s moods. Of course, many factors contribute to happiness but trust me, back in Germany, you don’t usually get greeted with a big smile by your barista at 6 AM!

So, what’s the science behind sunlight and mood? Let’s uncover it together!

The science behind sunlight and serotonin

When natural light hits your skin and eyes, it triggers the brain to produce more serotonin. This chemical helps regulate mood, keeps anxiety in check, and even supports better sleep. In contrast, during long stretches of grey, sunless days (hello, European winters), serotonin levels can drop, leading to low energy.

This explains why countries with less sunlight experience higher rates of winter blues. Reduced exposure to natural light leads to lower serotonin production, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue, low mood, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). With fewer daylight hours, the body also produces more melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, which can increase feelings of sluggishness and disrupt energy levels. In contrast, regions with more consistent sunlight benefit from stable serotonin levels, helping to maintain a more balanced mood throughout the year.

But even in Australia, there are cloudy days, long office hours, and night shifts that can limit sun exposure. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular “sun time”, not just seeing the sun but actually experiencing it while being outside.

“Sun Time Breaks”

While you don’t need to spend hours baking in the sun (and certainly not for the sake of your skin — hello, skincare brand!), it’s a great idea to schedule some sun time, especially during the cloudier months.

• Go for a walk during your lunch break: A quick stroll in the sun can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.

• Step outside first thing in the morning: As soon as you wake up, try stepping out onto your balcony or just outside your door to let the sunshine on your face. It’s a natural, energising way to start the day.

• Take a stretch break outside: Get your body moving while soaking up some sunlight. Even a few minutes of stretching outdoors can refresh both your body and mind.

Make it a habit to schedule these small sun breaks throughout the day. Even just a few minutes of sunlight can make a big difference in how you feel.

Sun & Skin

​​Sun exposure can be both beneficial and harmful to your skin, depending on how much you get and how you protect yourself. On the plus side, sunlight triggers your skin to produce vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and even mood regulation. A little sun can make you feel better overall, and it might even improve the health of your skin.

However, too much sun without protection can have the opposite effect. Overexposure to UV rays breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. More serious risks include sunburn, skin irritation, and even an increased risk of skin cancer.

So, keep it balanced. The sun is beneficial, but it's important not to overdo it.With 2,847 hours of sunshine per year, Australia certainly enjoys plenty of sun – far more than Germany, which has only 1,716 hours. This means that, while we appreciate the sunshine, we need to take extra care to protect our skin on many days. Wearing UV protection is essential every day. 

Whether you’re basking in Australia’s endless sun or making the most of those rare sunny days elsewhere, let’s embrace the sunshine, make time for those little sun breaks, and enjoy the happiness that comes with it!