The Rumour: Rainy Days can be Depressing

Have you ever noticed that as rain falls from the sky, so does your mood? If you're having a bad day, you could lay it up to coincidence But the phrase rainy days and Mondays always get me down can actually make you question, “Can rain truly spoil your mood?”

It's not your Imagination if you feel Depressed Amid a Downpour

Bad weather can have a detrimental influence on your emotions. According to one study, approximately 9% of adults consider themselves "rain haters." On days with greater precipitation, this group feels angry and less happy. Another study discovered that rain boosted the quantity of negative Facebook posts (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Social Media Use and Monitoring for Adolescents With Depression and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study of Parent and Child Perspectives

Go to source).

"When it gets dark and dreary out, some people definitely have more susceptibility to feeling lonely or down," says Tecsia Evans, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco (where it rains 67 days a year on average). When it rains, it's rather normal to notice a shift in mood, such as sorrow or lower self-esteem."

What can you do if wet weather has a negative impact on your mood? Even if you're tempted to turn off the lights and snuggle into bed during a rainfall, Evans advises turning on the lights instead. "There has been research that shows that light can boost serotonin, which elevates mood," she explains.

Julia Samton, MD, a psychiatrist at Manhattan Neuropsychiatric Hospital who practices light therapy, takes that suggestion a step further. "I really encourage people to try to walk outside, even if it's cold and rainy," she says. "Even if it doesn't appear to be that light out, you'll still get some UV ray exposure, which can help regulate your body's circadian rhythm and boost your mood."

Engage in the Right Activities to Uplift your Gloomy Mood this Rainy Season

Are you huddled indoors because it's pouring cats and dogs? Evans recommends engaging in delightful things that make you feel good, such as watching a happy movie, playing a game, doing arts and crafts, or reading a book.

When you're down, get up – literally. "I encourage people to exercise... that's a big one," Samton says. "It gives people energy, can [help] with self-esteem, and increases endorphins, which have a positive effect on mood." Work up a sweat by watching a fitness video on YouTube, doing sit-ups, or turning on some music and dancing.

Finally, Evans advises not to isolate yourself in rainy conditions. "When people are by themselves, it can feel like things are worse than they really are," she observes. Connect with others instead of hiding from the rain alone indoors, and your mood will be brighter – no matter how dark and dreary the weather is.

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Reference:

1. Social Media Use and Monitoring for Adolescents With Depression and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study of Parent and Child Perspectives - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7725496/)

Source-Medindia