If rainy days get you down, you’re not alone. It’s clinically proven that the weather can have a huge effect on our mood, and here’s why…
Sunshine can lift your mood
When exposed to sunlight, your body produces less melatonin – a hormone that causes sleepiness and lethargy. This helps you to feel more energised and full of life, and also increases the production of serotonin, reducing anxiety and improving feelings of happiness.
So, getting out and about in the sunshine isn’t just great for being sociable and active, it can actually make you feel better if you’re feeling a little stressed or down in the dumps.
Summer days can make you more open-minded
All of the positive effects a sunny day has on your mood can help open your mind to positive experiences that may have otherwise passed you by. Getting outside in the sunshine could not only improve your mental wellbeing, it could also open doors to exciting opportunities you may have missed if you weren’t feeling at your best.
High temperatures can increase frustration
Despite all of the factors that suggest warm weather brings out the best in us, it’s worth noting that studies show high temperatures can also shorten people’s fuses. No matter how glorious the sunshine, being too hot makes even the calmest of people much more irritable than they would usually be. It’s best to be aware of the affect the heat has on you, so you can be conscious of your mood and handle any irrational anger that you feel when you’re hot and frustrated.
Cold can make you sleepy
Cool temperatures can make you feel unmotivated and lethargic – wrap up warm and you’re much more likely to get out and take the world by storm.
Grey days can make you hungry
The drop in serotonin associated with gloomy, grey days can cause carbohydrate cravings to rise. Eating carbs when you feel blue releases serotonin and a quick spike in happiness. However, this feeling is only short-lived, so reach for starchy vegetables over pasta for a longer-lasting mood boost and an extra helping of lovely vitamins and minerals.
Whatever the weather, the best way to maintain a positive mind-set is to spend time outdoors – as long as you’re dressed appropriately for the elements, being outside has been proven to improve mood, memory and even reception to new and creative thoughts and ideas, helping you to become your best possible self.
