Have you ever felt like the weather dictates your mood? Have you ever used it as an excuse for your grumpy attitude? If so, you’re not alone. Around 4 in 10 Americans experience a declining mood in winter. So the question becomes, can the weather truly affect how we behave and feel?

The answer is yes. Having an increased amount of exposure to sunlight helps increase the amount of serotonin in our bloodstream. Serotonin is an important hormone that helps regulate our mood and happiness.

 When we have a reduction in exposure to sunlight, we have a reduction of serotonin in our bloodstream. This can lead to some people feeling more tired, sad or overall just less satisfied with their current state. 

For some people, however, this decrease in sunlight during the winter months can be even more intense. Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the condition where people who live in colder states with minimal sunlight throughout the fall and winter months develop depression as a result of the lack of sunlight.

 SAD affects around 5% of American citizens today. This condition is characterized by low mood, fatigue and lack of motivation. It can also cause more physical problems such as disruption of the circadian rhythm and lowered serotonin levels. In addition, SAD can impact people even more during clock changes in the fall and spring time. 

Some other weather events that can impact mood are heat and extreme weather. Heat can oftentimes cause irritability, restlessness and fatigue. I am sure we can all recall a time when we were grumpy to someone because we were sweating out in the sun. Extreme weather can also impact people. Huge storms or snow events often isolate people into their homes making it harder to interact with other people or get outside for some physical activity. 

Weather is something that affects everyone and it’s integral to recognize how it can impact our mood and actions. While it may not affect everyone’s mental health equally, it’s important to acknowledge the effects it could have. 

So, how can we improve our mental health during long winter months or hot summer days?

Try to get out in the sun whenever possible, especially in the winter when our serotonin is the lowest. Stay active whenever possible. Even if you can’t get outside, indoor physical activity is proven to increase endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters that all contribute to better mental health. 

Finally, connecting with others and reminding yourself to stay grounded can also help when faced with something like the weather that you cannot control. Practicing medication can be so impactful on stress management and improving your mental health.  In addition, reaching out to family and friends, even if it’s over Facetime, can truly improve your overall wellbeing. 

So next time you’re feeling frustrated at the burning temperatures or are a little tired and gloomy in the winter, remind yourself that you’re only human and your body is just responding to the surrounding environment.