3 Mood-Boosters When Gloomy Weather Gets You Down
Gloomy weather can be rough. Some people seem to take to it pretty well, but a lot of us get sad when the sun doesn't make an appearance. If you get sad during gloomy weather, there are some useful strategies that can help you feel a bit brighter.
Make new associations
Neurons that fire together, wire together. This basically means that when we experience two things at the same time, they become associated with each other. Have you ever gone for a walk and suddenly remembered what you were thinking about the last time you walked in that area? Maybe you listened to a specific song when you spent time with a close friend, and now that song makes you think of your friend, or vice versa.This same strategy can be used to improve the way you feel about gloomy weather. Instead of complaining (which only associates gloomy weather with suffering), try doing something unique every time the weather is gloomy. Maybe that's a good time to make some hot cocoa, play a certain board game, call a certain friend, or listen to a certain album. The more you do this, the more you'll have positive associations with gloomy weather.
Get a Light Therapy Box
Sometimes, moodiness during gloomy weather is more than just a negative association. Some people truly suffer from a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). These folk benefit from a special kind of light therapy that involves sitting near a light that emits a spectrum similar to that emitted by the sun. This tricks the brain into thinking it is outside on a sunny day, which then naturally releases certain brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) that improve mood and thinking.You don't have to have SAD to benefit from these lights. All humans can benefit from getting more natural light. And the plus side of using one of these lights is that you don't risk the damage that is caused by getting this light directly from the sun.
Exercise
When it comes to general mood-boosters, there are few things as powerful as exercise. This is particularly true for aerobic exercise, meaning exercise that is more of the "low and slow" variety such as jogging, hiking, or biking. While you may not be able to go outdoors during rainy or snowy weather, there are plenty of ways you can engage in aerobic exercise in your home. Some examples of home-friendly exercises are calisthenics (push-ups, pull-ups, crunches), jumping jacks, burpees, jumping rope, at-home workout videos, etc. It's pretty close to a guarantee that you'll feel a lot better after getting in some physical activity.Don't let gloomy weather take over your life. Next time the clouds roll in, follow some of these simple steps so you can stay positive.