Your Forecast: Warmer Moods Ahead

I live in Seattle. Sunny days in the Emerald City are like the Sonics: a fond, wistful memory. As hearty Pacific Northwesterners can attest, Seattle’s daily deluge of rain (yes, it is daily and, yes, it is a deluge) can cloud one’s moods. Last year, Seattle recorded 18 straight days of soggy weather. And this February was the second wettest in Seattle history. When the sky isn’t spritzing (a rarity), a dull haze appears. 50 Shades of Gray indeed. For those Pacific Northwest souls with mental health issues, gloomy weather can induce lethargy. Yes, it took every last ounce of willpower to write this article — and not stagger to the couch for a slumber. As rain batters down on you and your mood, here are steps to take to overcome that natural sluggishness: First, acknowledge reality; it is scientifically proven that dreary weather impacts behavior. According to The Journal of Finance, sunshine induces positive mood and, by extension, positive behavior. When weather is milder, you are more likely to leave a generous tip or view a criminal defendant sympathetically. When the sun is raining down (yes, intentional word choice), I know that I am more solicitous of others. Why, again, did I decide to live in soaked Seattle? While a fortunate few live in Florida and other sun-splashed locales, the rest of us contend with Mother Nature’s unpredictable whims. But even without moving to Florida, there are ways to put yourself in the sunshine state. Here is how. Let Th...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Depression General Happiness Motivation and Inspiration Personal Psychology Self-Help Fatigue Lethargy Mood Disorder Relaxation Sad Seasonal Affective Disorder Weather Winter Blues Source Type: blogs