The fact that the weather affects our lives is undeniable, but how it does so has yet to be confirmed. It has been discovered that the climate harms people’s moods rather than a positive effect on them. Weather changes have a major impact on people as well as their day-to-day mood. Temperature changes have a narrow range that people prefer; increase or decrease temperatures have a detrimental impact on some people’s attitudes. Not only does heat or cold affect our mood, but so does (heavy) fog, cloud cover, and precipitation, as well as seasons.
The weather has a host of effects on our mood. Seasonal and environmental variations have been related to some diseases. This form of illness includes seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression. e Winter depression is aggravated by a lack of sunlight, and the night generates harmful energies. Due to the rainy, snowy winter season, some people become less healthy and social, and their loss of vitamin D and loneliness has resulted in a deficiency of both the chemicals and encouragement they need to live a happier life.
Although warmer weather will not actually change your outlook, Dr. Cory Harow knows that it will provide you with a slew of other mood-enhancing benefits. The sun and mild weather make it easy to go outdoors and get your regular dose of vitamin D. Warmer weather also makes for more physical activity and time spent in nature. Though the weather isn’t always the primary factor in changing the mood, it will facilitate a variety of other mood-enhancing behaviors such as:
- Exercise
- Jogging and Walking
- Cycling
- Camping and Spending Time with Family and/or Friends
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Going on Dates or Girl’s Night Outs
- Going to Outdoors Festivals
- Going Fishing
Although not directly related to the outdoor nature of the exercise, those who take pride in their outdoor lifestyles argue that the positive effects are more than just skin deep. The direct connection between how warm weather improves mental health can be explained by the different physical and mental processes that take place inside the human body when the temperature rises. It is important to understand that the human body is made up of several different types of cells and that the way these cells respond to the changes in temperature can differ from person to person. Therefore, the way a person’s brain responds to the change in temperature will depend on the type of cell that is affected and this may explain why some people find the rising temperature more soothing than others.
Dr. Cory Harow explains how those who lead busy lives and are unable to find the time outdoors will find that the positive mental health benefits of spending time outdoors are outweighed by the time spent stuck indoors. People who are constantly on the go and do not have the time to allow themselves to relax and unwind will find that the effects of being stuck inside can prove detrimental. Dr. Harow encourages people to spend more time outside when the weather is nice, not just to boost their physical health, but to improve their mental and emotional health as well.