Weather & Mood
How does the weather impact my mood and daily activities?
The weather certainly impacts my mood and how I spend my time and energy in many ways.
First, having sunny but not too hot days is energizing and brings such happy feelings. There is simply a cheerful mood that comes along with this. But, on a bigger scale, having good weather means I can get outside and move more. This is especially important to me regarding my lunch breaks at work and walking my dog. Having some time at midday to get out of my office, move my body and direct my attention to non-work thoughts is tremendously helpful to my mental health. Now, my dog is a fair-weather dog. She can’t handle too much heat, hates the rain and doesn’t do great in anything under 5°C, so while she is a highly energetic dog that needs exercise, this can be a tightrope. So, having the weather that lets us go for comfortable walks means more activity, quality time with her and my husband, and ensuring my pup stays happy and healthy.
Rainy weather can go a couple of different ways for me. It weighs on me if it drags on too long, and I can’t get out for the above reasons. I get agitated and cranky. But with just the right conditions (meaning, I don’t have to leave the house), a rainy day can lead to a cozy, coffee-drinking, book-reading day. On the other end of that spectrum, I can be inspired to do deep cleans and minimize in my home.
Winter weather has the least fluctuation for me, considering where I live and my preferences. Winter is pretty settled in here by November, and we’re not really in the clear of it until April. I do not like cold weather, snow or winter activities. So, winter is mostly me waiting it out, sometimes complaining about seemingly endless cold weather and planning a vacation. Its most significant impact is on my workday and how I need to get creative with finding some movement and change of scenery throughout the week. While I would say winter doesn’t put me in my best mood, I am lucky that it also doesn’t bottom me out.
Being mindful of the influence that weather has on my mood and energy is vital in planning to make the most of my days. Thinking ahead to ensure I know the limits of the day or what I want to make of it puts me back in control, something that I need to keep in mind to be deliberate in my plans.