We keep hearing talk about this “tropical summer” we’re having with the drastic change in weather and unusually high amount of rain for this time of year. I’ve noticed people feeling sick and run down, often blaming the (change in) weather as the catalyst.
So is there truth to the weather being the root cause of our wellbeing? You may be familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as “SAD”. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness and depression that occur in the winter months when the temperatures drop and the days grow short. This specific form of depression is often associated with excessive eating or sleeping and weight gain.
Studies show that SAD is often diagnosed more frequently in women, but men seem to display more severe symptoms. Whilst it’s usually common in winter, with the change in global warming causing the current adhoc weather conditions, people are now displaying symptoms of SAD in summertime.
I was sitting at a café recently when the rain started bucketing down outside. One of my favourite things to do is watch how people react in the rain. I believe you can tell a lot about a person by their behaviour during extreme weather conditions. There are several options you can take whilst stuck in the rain; you can run for shelter, walk at a calm, careful pace, or simply continue in your stride unfazed. Of course if you’re a woman who’s just blow-dried your hair, or on your way to an important event, you’re more likely to duck for shelter as fast as your heels will carry you.
Doing some people watching, got me thinking about how significant events in my life seem to occur in the rain; break-ups, breakthroughs, important business meetings, chance encounters, even funerals, amongst other significant moments. I don’t know what it is about the rain that makes that moment so much more dramatic; but it’s definitely an anomaly many movie producers capitalize on.
It’s also evident in social media; on a stormy day for example, Facebook newsfeed gets flooded (no pun intended) in complaints about the weather compared to the few positive posts when the sun is shining. So what is it about the power of rain that can have such a profound impact on us? And why does everyone seem happier in summertime? Scientific research indicates that Sunlight contributes to photochemical reactions in the skin, and the production of Vitamin-D is one of these. Vitamin-D apparently affects hormone levels, which can affect moods. Whilst the perception that rain represents gloom and sunshine denotes happiness is more metaphorical than scientific, it rings true because we are inherently sympathetic to our environment.
So, what can we do to overcome weather related mood swings?
- Do things that make you feel good- listen to uplifting music, surround yourself with positive people, read a good book, place pictures of your ideal holiday destination near your workspace. Or even better, if you’re in the position; plan a vacation to a warm place.
- Eat nutritious foods that make you feel good- the best sources of foods that contain vitamin D include: fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils.
- Get enough ZZZZ’s- make it a regular part of your routine to go to bed at around the same time, aiming for 8 hours sleep (try this up to 5 days a week).
- Keep moving- Regular exercise of around 30 min cardiovascular activity a day will increase endorphins, leading to an uplifted mood, along with the obvious benefits of better health and weight loss.
- Limit intake of alcohol & sugary, processed foods.
So whether you choose to run from the rain, walk or sing, embrace the day and make plans regardless of what Mother Nature brings on.
