Does the cold weather affect your mood?
This week’s cold air, grey skies and rain has marked a dramatic end to the summer, which has left many of us feeling low.
Why does cold weather affect our mood?
The weather can play a big role in how we feel day-to-day.
People tend to feel more tired and have less energy during the colder months.
“As the days get shorter and there’s less sunlight, our bodies produce more melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy,” highlights Tang. “At the same time, the decrease in daylight can affect serotonin, which helps keep our energy levels up.
“This combination can lead to us feeling tired and sluggish more often during the autumn and winter months. It’s like our bodies are naturally slowing down in response to the darker days – we go into a mini human hibernation.”
However, hibernating can often cause us to isolate ourselves from our loved ones – which can have a negative impact on our mental health.
Our confidence levels might also experience a dip during periods of cold weather too.
“The shorter days and less sunlight can affect how we feel about ourselves, as we may feel more tired, less motivated, and even less social,” explains Tang. “Seasonal changes can also impact our appearance, like dry skin or fewer opportunities to get outdoors, which might make us feel a bit more self-conscious.”
If you have been persistently experiencing low mood and depression symptoms, contact your GP, as you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
“SAD is a subtype of depression that’s experienced seasonally,” explains Gunn. “It usually manifests and goes away with changes in the weather, daylight hours, and temperature.
“As the weather begins to change, people with SAD may feel sluggish and low without explanation. People can experience winter blues in various degrees, ranging from feeling a bit down to finding it very difficult to function, which may lead to taking time off work.”
Tips on how to get out of a cold-weather funk:
Move your body
“Getting regular exercise can have huge benefits for our mental health, with studies showing the positive effects on anxiety,” explains Simon Davies, walking therapist and registered counsellor at Living Well UK. “This is because exercise causes our bodies to release endorphins – the natural chemicals that elevate our moods and reduce stress.”
Take a brisk morning walk or carve out some time in the afternoon to sit in your garden.
“Cold weather can sometimes make it challenging to get moving, but this can actually be invigorating,” says Olly Banks, personal trainer at Fitness First. “Dress warmly in layers, and as you step outside, the fresh air and natural light exposure can help wake you up and provide a well-needed energy boost.”
Arrange to catch up with your friends over a coffee.
“Save time for quality interactions,” advises Gunn. “Having meaningful relationships and being able to give to others can greatly improve our resilience and also cause our bodies to release feel-good chemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine.”
“A short mindfulness meditation, focusing on your breath and clearing your thoughts can help improve mental clarity and boost your overall mood,” says Banks.