As we are moving into Spring, it is becoming increasingly more apparent that the weather can affect how we are feeling. The sluggishness that we were experiencing post New Year (you know, after the resolutions have worn off…) is starting to flourish into something exciting now that we know that warmer weather is on its way – but how can we shake off the feelings that are going hand in hand with what’s going on outside our windows? Sometimes, it’s not possible…
Winter is Coming…
It’s a weird concept to grasp a hold of – that our moods can literally change with the weather. The most common problem related to what’s on the outside that’s affecting our inside is Seasonal Affective Disorder – otherwise known as SAD (kinda appropriate, huh?) . This usually starts to make its appearance when daylight savings time rears its head, so around the October mark and through into the early part of the next year, i.e. when the nights start getting longer and the days start getting shorter. The lack of sunlight that we are presented with causes havoc with our sleeping patterns – often without us knowing it. Melatonin levels are high in people who are affected by SAD, which means that you are more likely to feel sleepier during the day, which can then have a domino effect on how you are feeling all-round. Melatonin is produced with the help of sunlight, so there’s nothing really that you can do to naturally help yourself apart from tricking your body into thinking that the sun is there – so using artificial lights to help you awaken in the morning, or maybe go a step further and just book a holiday away somewhere nice. At least you’ve got good reason for it!
Under Pressure
Many people believe that they are more sensitive to pain when the rain starts falling from the sky – especially those who suffer from arthritis. There is truth in what they are saying, though; barometric pressure drops occur just before a storm is due to start, meaning that pain felt more due to the expansion of sensitive tissues surrounding affected joints. You can get ahead of the game by following some super tips online to keep you somewhat supple and calm before anything is about to kick off weather-wise – read 108 Reasons Why Meditation Is So Beneficial and 38 Health Benefits of Yoga for starter points as to how to get your mind and body prepared for what’s to come. There isn’t any harm in giving it a try if it’s going to work, especially if you are someone who is more sensitive to the pain when it rains but could never previously explain why!
The Fine Rain that Soaks You Through
Although there are some experts that dispel the theory that rain makes you sad, for the majority of us we know that we are fine examples of pathetic fallacy as soon as the droplets start hitting the ground. There is little more that you can do than embrace it; put on your coat, take your umbrella, get out there and splash about. It’s the least you can do.