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How Weather
Affects Mood
Author:
Lyla Feldman
 Going
to a warm place in the middle of winter can be a huge mood booster. Pleasant
weather has been proven to improve moods, memory, and broaden our cognitive
thinking skills. However, extremely hot weather can actually make us feel more
tired and sluggish, lowering our overall mood. Being outside on a nice spring
afternoon after being in hibernation all winter long offers a way to recharge
your mind.
In a
recent study, participants who spent time outdoors in moderate weather were more
content than those who spent all day inside. They also found better memory
scores when they ran tests comparing the two groups. Research has also proven
that sunlight boosts your serotonin levels by providing it with vitamin D. Of
course people feel a little more blue in the winter and better in the spring.
That is no big shock. Some even experience SA in the winter, which is seasonal
affective disorder from lack of sunlight and warmth.
The
best temperature for humans is about 72 degrees because it is the most
temperate. That explains why people in southern California are so happy all the
time. Research has also found a link between hot weather and violent behavior.
To improve mood, a person must spend at least 30 minutes outside in warm, sunny
weather. Spending time indoors when the weather outside is so nice tends to
decrease mood and diminish critical thinking patterns. It is most likely
because we resent being cooped-up inside when spring time arrives – commonly
referred to as spring fever. It can also make inside activities seem boring or
annoying causing less productivity.
Maybe
just the activities associated with being outside affect our mood. Warm weather
is associated with the beach, baseball, dozens of fun sports, as well as camp
fires, bike rides, etc. It brings back childhood memories of playing outside
all day until dusk. Who doesn’t love that?
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/how-weather-affects-mood-502714.html
About the Author:
Lyla
Feldman writes articles about striving towards a healthy lifestyle. Some of her
favorite passions include writing about
energy drinks
and
natural sleep aids.
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