This week, an article popped up on my Facebook feed stating that there have only been 3 mild and sunny days in Seattle (my hometown) since October. I remember thinking that was insane. Granted, I haven't been living in Seattle for most of that time period since I've been at school, but I'm sure Newberg, Oregon has had just as few sunny days.

When I thought about that, I realized that it really has been that long since we've actually had decent weather. Now, this isn't new for me since I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life, but there's nothing like that first really beautiful day.

We've had a few nice days at George Fox the past few weeks, and every time there's only like half cloud cover and it's above 45 degrees, people act like it's summer. The other day, it was 60 degrees (woah), and my friends and I broke out the hammocks in the quad, and we weren't the only ones. There were people playing frisbee, sitting out on benches and wearing shorts.

But I totally get it. After months of rain and grey clouds and having to wear a rain jacket every day, there's nothing like walking outside in a T-shirt and feeling the sun on your face. You can almost hear the spring montage music while you're walking to class.

This can also be due to SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which is a form of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months and can be super impactful on a person's mood. I think it's so crazy that weather can have such a powerful influence on people. Friends that have roommates from California have noticed that they get a lot more irritable as Oregon continues to be so dreary.

Exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin and creates feelings of relaxation and focus, as well as boosting your mood. Sun rays also help to regulate your circadian patterns and help you sleep better at night. Vitamin D, which you get from exposure to sunlight, boosts immune system health and strengthens your bones.

So appreciate the sun, even at the end of August when you're tired of sweating all the time, because here in the PNW we don't get enough!