So things got pretty heavy last column when I talked about grief and my father.
In celebration of the good weather we were blessed with these last few weeks, I wanted to lighten the mood a bit.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not going to shy away from big topics but I thought it would be nice to talk about something a little less intense. Plus the weather seems like a good ice breaker out in these parts considering it changes by the hour, so here’s a little something about my personal experiences with it.
It’s weird how much weather can play such a big factor in your mood. You could be happy one day when it’s sunshine and clear skies but sad the next day because of a couple of raindrops hitting the pavement.
All I can say is you’re not alone; studies show that nearly nine percent of people fall into a “rain haters” category, meaning bad weather can have a negative effect on their emotions. Therefore, it’s important to get outside even if you’re one of those “put me into bed and shut off all the lights” kind of people when it’s not so nice out.
Julia Samton, a psychiatrist at NYC’s Manhattan Neuropsychiatric, encourages people to try and walk outside as much as they can, even when it’s cold or rainy. “Even though it might not seem that light out, you’ll still get some exposure to UV rays, which can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and boost your mood,” said Samton.
Personally, I love when the weather fluctuates because it makes me feel like I’m not alone and shows me that even Mother Nature can’t make up her mind sometimes. I try my best to not let the bad weather get to me but I am a sucker for the sheets when it’s cold out and the soothing sounds of raindrops are hitting my window.
That said, sometimes when it’s raining or freezing outside it makes me feel like a trapped animal stuck in a cage trying to find any chance to break free. Hoping that the rain lets up so I can squeeze in a minute of fresh air and exposure to some UV rays.
Though I’m not the biggest fan of weather that hits over 25 degrees Celsius, I understand that when the suns out, usually people are happier. Which forces me to get outside because my fear of missing out starts racing through me when I see others having fun. If I could control Mother Nature, I would make every day 17 degrees Celsius with a slight overcast and the sun just finding those pockets to jump out throughout the day. I understand that wouldn’t be beneficial to a lot of growing habitats and living creatures, but in this fantasy world, no plants or animals are affected.
One thing I must admit though, even though I’m a huge fan of the transitional seasons like spring and fall where the winds blow in different directions and the sun and clouds battle for the spotlight, I cannot help but smile when I wake up in the morning check my window, and see the sun shining down on the day. It’s like this overpowering happiness that rushes through your body, hitting all those endorphins in all the right ways. But I promise you, the moment it hits 26 degrees Celsius, you’ll catch me at the nearest body of water, the closest spot to shade, or inside next to an air conditioning fan blowing cold air to my face.
READ MORE: A rollercoaster nobody is ready to ride – my experience with grief