Can Weather Affect Your Mood?
The weather seems to affect many people's moods in real and measurable ways but it is dependent on a number of factors. People of any geographical location that experiences prolonged periods of unusual weather are likely to feel the effect more than others.
Do you feel the weather affects your mood? In what way?
Once you know how weather conditions affect your mood, you can take extra self-care steps. What self-care acts do you usually do?
I think like most people, rainy days are usually times where I feel like staying in bed all day, but then, if it were sunny, it's not like I feel happy either. The sun, it's nice to look at when looking out the window, but I don't really like being "under" the sun. I feel most relaxed and happy when it snows though, but where I live, we don't get much during the winter. Based on the Four Seasons, winter with not many snow days, happiness is short-term.
Actually, just thinking about weather conditions and moods, I don't get affected as easily depending on weather. I like being indoors no matter what the weather is, and my mood is based on triggers throughout the day more than how the weather can affect it. Weather conditions is only a small factor that could affect my current mood. So, I don't really have much additional self-care steps to bring my mood up.
Sorry, I guess my post might be a bit pointless~
@globalBraid3744
@Jaeteuk
Thank you for taking part in the discussion, your post is not pointless at all! We value every single opinion and contribution.
The fact that you identified your mood is dependent on triggers is also very important. Sometimes recognizing triggers and exploring what helps can prevent those negative feelings or reduce their intensity. Have you heard about synthetic happiness? I think this video might be interesting for you to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q1dgn_C0AU&t=76s. Before I thought that I like being inside and do not need to go much (and I didn´t) but then I recognized that by not going out I am also missing opportunities that could bring me some positive experiences.
For me during this current episode of depression the many days of sunshine with no rain were weighing heavily on me. I live in a semi arid country and we have been having repeated droughts. I've been aware of climate change and how precious water since I was a teenager in the early 90s and the global environmental crisis are always present in my mind. The amount of dry days we had since Xmas is to me another sure sign of how it is getting worse.
But on a separate note I was feeling too like the sun was mocking me I could not keep it out of my room and all I wanted was for rain to come. I guess also rainy days are more of a justification for not having to go out so was feeling I wanted a proper hibernation
@anonyLemon4233
I completely agree with you - the sun is not always a good thing. Some areas are dependent on rain to grow food and other things, or even for water itself. I believe everything needs balance. I also sometimes feel like staying in even after I arrange a meeting with my friend and then when it rains I also use it as a justification, even though I have on average a better mood when I go out when looking retrospectively.
The weather does affect my mood in the winter I am more depressed and isolated and in the spring and summer I am more active and able to do things more and be more positive.
During the winter .
I try to make myself get out at least once a day for a walk I have to do this because I have a dog.
I reach out at least once a day to one of my friends or family.
And I tried to do a few projects a week.
I also tried to meditate for at least 15 minutes a day.
During the summer .
I'm outside most of the time. I hike or go for walks on the beach. Or go to a Starbucks and have coffee outside.
@Loveyourfate
These are very useful tips! I sometimes struggle with getting out in winter because I do not handle cold well but it is very important for our well-being. Besides emotional support and love, having a dog is so beneficial in this regard as well. In summer, I am also more active and spend more of my time outdoors.
Especially during these times, I feel it is important to stay connected to friends and/or family, even when it is only a short interaction.
What projects do you usually work on?
There are different types of weather that are triggers for hereditary angioedema attacks, and prodromal symptoms can include mood changes, so there can be a pretty big effect on my mood. I try to keep my medication levels up when needed, but it's not always enough.
@AffyAvo
It is good you can recognize some prodromal symptoms. Can the negative mood that follows be reduced when you recognize them soon enough?
@globalBraid3744 If I use medication to treat the attack that can reduce the prodromal symptoms too.
@globalBraid3744 I notice I feel more down in the winter which I think is associated with less sun exposure which then leads to a vitamin D deficiency which in turn affects my mood.
@comfortableNight4463
I can relate to this! I also have vitamin D deficiency and I feel much lower when it is cloudy outside.
@globalBraid3744
Yes, the weather definitely affects my mood, if it's a miserable and dark day then my mood dips, Unfortunately, I haven't found a solution to this, I can't use 'light lamps' so any ideas appreciated.
Lucy2
@lucy2
Hey, Lucy! I hear you; it is so tough to replace sunshine, and it is even amplified when you cannot use light lamps. The only tip I can give you is the one that I personally use. When it is very dark outside and it makes me feel down then I engage in a Save Place imaginary - our brain can be easily fooled by it. Also looking at photos from my summer holidays when it was warm and nice outside can improve my mood.