Research has concluded that temperature can impact your mood. It’s common knowledge that the sun can lift our spirits, while the rain can dampen them but the influence of weather on the way we feel is actually more complex than this.
Influencing factors
In fact, it’s not as simple as saying the sun makes us all feel happy. Exactly how weather and temperature affects our mood is related to a wide variety of factors.
Where a person lives and the climate they’re used to can influence how temperatures affect the way they feel. Those who live in extreme climates have learned to adapt and cope with the challenging conditions over time. If someone is new to this environment, it’s harder for their body to adjust, and this can have greater impact on the way they feel.
The role of genetics
Yet, even if you place two people together from the same location in an identical climate, these same temperature conditions can make them feel differently. This could be down to genetics. Researchers from the University of Arizona have found that genetics can affect our ability to adapt to different climates. This includes factors such as a person’s skin pigmentation, their ability to sweat and how close the blood vessels are to the skin’s surface.
A person with a genetic predisposition to adapt better to changing weather conditions will find that extreme temperatures have less of a severe impact on their mood – and vice versa. In fact, studies have shown that people who suffer from mental health problems often struggle to regulate their body temperature, as they usually have higher-than-average temperatures.
SAD
Seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is a common condition that is associated with mood and temperature. It strikes mostly in winter when light levels are low, causing sufferers to experience fatigue, sadness or depression and overeating. It’s estimated that one-in-three Brits suffers from SAD each winter, with women 40% more likely to experience this condition than men.
Surprisingly, SAD can even affect a small amount of people during the summer, producing symptoms such as manic behaviour, a poor appetite and insomnia.
Sun and heat
In general, we tend to think of sunny weather as a mood booster, often describing cheery people as having a ‘sunny disposition’. Studies have shown that when the sun shines we are happier, more helpful and more generous with our cash.
However, that doesn’t mean to say high temperatures are always a positive thing for the brain. Indeed, research suggests that when temperatures soar it can increase levels of aggression, violence and anxiety in people, especially those who struggle to regulate their body temperature.
Rain and pain
Researchers also claim that rain can make people feel angry and aggressive, especially when a lot of rain occurs in places that don’t normally get much. People are also more likely to report feeling unsatisfied with life when it rains.
Science also points to the fact that when it rains, the increased atmospheric pressure can cause fluids to shift from the blood vessels to tissues in the body. This can exert pressure on the nerves and joints, resulting in aches and pains that can negatively impact how a person feels.
There’s no need to let high temperatures put you in an emotional tizz. With the superior quality air-conditioning systems available from GREE UK, you can remain cool, calm and collected at all times.
