We have a complex relationship with winter. We are receptive to the tapping of rain on the roof, a meandering gust that chills as we walk in the park. We become reliant on forecasts, and the weather will follow us wherever we go. This begs the question; how does winter affect our moods?
Studies find a correlation between lower moods and lessor sunshine hours. Our brains also pump serotonin when exposed to sunlight where lower levels are believed to contribute towards depression. Hence the need to go for walks and absorbing vitamin B from the sun’s rays. So, in essence, winter has the ability to change our brain’s chemical formation, not to mention our plans which can affect our mood.
What if we looked at our moods themselves? Our moods stick with us, and act as our conductor to how we perceive the world. If our mood is positive then we stay resilient, bring forth hope, joy & contentment. If our mood is negative, we lament in guilt, become spiteful, fearful and feel abandoned. There is though one thing that the research also tells us, that our relationship with the weather is highly variable. So, while our moods can be swayed by the winter weather, to what level comes down to the significance we grant it.
We sometimes forget we have one tool that can help us manage our moods: creativity; to think beyond what our current moods are telling us. As even when the rain has poured beyond a persistent beat where for some unknown reason, we are feeling forlorn; we can be mindful to summon alternatives. Even if our moods are telling us to stay home when we want to go out, or to spurt in anger when we know better to be silent; we can choose a better response. Our moods like winter shall pass, and yet, it is our wisdom that stays with us, forever.
John Zavaglia MBA, ACA, is the therapist & founder of Mind Life offering services in Mental Health counselling focusing on anxiety, depression, grief & addiction. As an experienced Toastmaster, John also provides services to treat public speaking & social phobias. Mind Life Is an accredited mental health services provider under the guidance of the Australian Counselling Association. (ACA)
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