“One thing that feeds into the way you experience the social world is your mood – and one thing that affects your mood is the weather.” Leonard Mlodinow
When the seasons shift, it’s no question that our moods aren’t far behind. Autumn ends, and there is an ominous cloud that hovers over most people, especially those in Canada. We know once daylight savings time occurs in November, our days will feel longer, and our inevitable mood shift is its partner in crime. Knowing heavy jackets, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves will be the stars of our wardrobe for the next four months is not only daunting, but it’s depressing.
There is a consensus that our moods are a reflection of the type of weather we are experiencing. I don’t know about you, but the winter months are some of the most challenging times of the year for me. Some of us wake up depressed instead of refreshed. We have unexplained aches and pains and lost interest in simple things like reading and exercising. As a result, our moods are at an all-time low, and so is our energy.
Once we get past February, suddenly the skies seem bluer, and we “spring forward” with daylight savings time giving us more light, and we know better days are ahead. Yes, there are gloomy days in the spring, but nothing like the constant gloom of Winter.
During the warmer months, do you share in my feeling of being uplifted and light? The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and everything feels alive! The Spring and Summer months greet us with a feeling of hope and optimism. As a result, we tend to make plans and see friends and family more often and desire to do more in general.
Despite embarking on month sixteen of the pandemic, I still looked forward to this spring and summer. Yes, most of it has been inside, but there is the option to go for a walk, and as things open, a sense of freedom feels closer than imagined. So let’s look on the bright side, literally. The sun still shines brightly through our windows, and from there, we have a glimpse of life and hope.
As we navigate the unknowns of this ongoing pandemic, I want to offer some ideas on how you can continue to enjoy this great weather. Here is some insight on how you can continue the good vibes when we inevitably approach Autumn and Winter.
DON’T: Isolate yourself
DO: Find a hobby that can be transferred from outside to inside and enjoy it with a friend
DON’T: Sit and do nothing
DO: Exercise indoors (bodyweight exercise, Yoga, invest in an exercise bike or elliptical)
DON’T: Binge on fatty and processed foods
DO: Have fruits and vegetables as part of a few meals a day
DON’T: Order take out all the time
DO: Learn how to cook healthy and delicious versions of your take-out favourites
These are just a few ideas on how we can bring the uplifted moods of spring and summer and move them into the colder months when they show their dreaded face.
I would love to hear what you do to keep your moods balanced during the colder months, so feel free to send me an email or reach out to me on Instagram @heartofaman_
Please share this with friends and family and enjoy all seasons with a sense of optimism.