MOODS FOR ALL SEASONS
Jaimie Bloch explains how different climates affect our emotions.
BRIGHT AND SUNNY
A healthy dose of sunlight has been linked to increased levels of serotonin and vitamin D – a mood-boosting hormone. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to negatively affect mood and has been researched as a contributing factor to whether a person is more susceptible to SAD. It’s the perfect time to get your daily dose of nature and do activities that make you feel good.
EXCESS RAIN
Research has shown that periods of extensive rainfall can result in people feeling unmotivated and sad. This is because we are less likely to be active and move our bodies. When rain clouds continually block the sun, this can disrupt serotonin production, due to lack of sunlight exposure and exercise, which can then affect your sleeping patterns and leave you with dipped energy levels throughout the day.
HEATWAVES
A rise in temperature often causes mental fatigue in people, resulting in fuzzy thoughts and irritability – which is why you may see people frustrated or with a higher level of aggression during a heatwave period.
DARK AND COLD
Just like excessive rain, dark and cold weather means we are more likely to be less active than usual and more socially isolated, lowering our serotonin production, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. Without the sun we also lack the Vitamin D our bodies need, disrupting our internal body clock and melatonin levels – a hormone that helps regulate our sleep cycle.
STORMS
Wet weather conditions have been linked to lower self-esteem. Storms in particular often wreak havoc on our daily routines and disrupt our usual activities, resulting in feelings of uneasiness and higher levels of anxiety and feelings of social isolation. Particularly in this weather, it’s crucial to prepare yourself and your home to limit such feelings of unease.
HIGH HUMIDITY
There’s research that suggests humidity actually has the biggest effect on our moods. High humidity has been linked to lowered concentration levels and increased sleepiness. Similar to heatwaves, this lethargy can also lead to more feelings of irritability, so you may find yourself short-tempered.
WIND
Strong winds can be quite frightening and research shows that with higher wind speeds we’re more susceptible to feelings of anxiety and fear. So, be sure to plan ahead and find something to do that makes you feel safe and calm and keeps you safe during wild and unpredictable weather.
For more information on how to be weather-ready this summer visit allianz.com.au