Rain, rain, go away, please don't come another day

Do you ever feel sad on rainy or cloudy days? Do you feel more tired? Do problems seem bigger than they did the day before? That's because the weather outside has a surprisingly large impact on what our mood is. 

It makes sense in a way. When it's warmer out, we tend to be more comfortable, and thus in a better mood. But studies even say spending at least a half hour in warm, sunny weather can improve one's mood. Being out in the open, in open air helps make people feel better, not as contained. 

Of course, the weather affects everyone differently. Everyone has different preferences, and thus weather affects them differently. If someone enjoyed wintertime activities, they might not mind the cold quite as much as those who prefer summertime activities. People with psychiatric disorders are more easily affected as well. 

The affects are easily seen in those who inhabit Antarctica, especially in the colder winter months. It has been observed that as the long, isolated winter months go on, those who live and work in Antarctica become more isolated and irritable. Christian Otto served as an emergency doctor in Antarctica for about a year, and while working there, he witnessed people becoming more depressed, anxious, and insomniatic. This is partially due to the well known connection between darkness and depression. Research has also shown that in order to keep body temperature up, the body produces more hormones to regulate body temp and less of other hormones, including the ones that keep you happy.

Overall, though temperature may have some affect on our mood, it has an awful lot to do with sunlight. Matthew C. Keller found that the optimal dose of sunlight is around thirty minutes. But he also found that it may only really be effective in the spring, when people are "sunlight-deprived" and haven't seen bright sunlight in months. So especially in the spring, sunlight can help raise one's mood. 

So the next time you feel uncharacteristically sad, look outside. Your mood just might be because of the weather. If it's cloudy and dreary out, you have your explanation. On the other hand, if it's bright and sunny, step outside. It's likely your day will get at least a little bit better and a whole lot brighter.

Sources:    Hunt, P. (2010). WEATHER or NOT. Current Health 1, 33(7), 17.
 Anthes, E. (2010). WELCOME TO OUTER (HEAD) SPACE. Psychology Today, 43(2), 72.