WASHINGTON — We hibernate like bears during the winter; our bodies produce more melatonin to help us sleep better when the days get shorter.
Not surprisingly, people spend more time indoors during the winter, and not as focused on finding that special someone. But the spring is here, which means more daylight to roam outside.
Your body knows it, too: It produces more serotonin, which motivates you to meet someone new.
“Serotonin is one of those ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters that really helps people feel alive, excited and more attracted to people,” says Dr. Gregory Jones, a licensed clinical psychologist at Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness in Northwest.
Winter is a nesting period for couples, Jones says. Yet in the spring, so-called “spring fever” increases our enthusiasm, leaving some to question their current relationships and look for someone new.
Regardless of what brings you to the dating game, spring is a good time to embrace healthy risks, Jones says.
“Say ‘yes’ to more people, say ‘yes’ to more dates,” Jones says.
Also this spring, you’ll notice people are more motivated to exercise and play sports. That’s also a good way to find new love. Just be yourself on the first date, Jones says.
As for whether it will last, you’ve gotta wait until the fall.
Then, Jones says, “there is more of a shift from wanting dates and going out and having fun, to people looking to have something a little more serious.”
