You probably know that the weather impacts your mood and energy, but you might not know how much or why. Or you might think that it’s just because it’s cold or hot, rainy or sunny, foggy or windy. The truth is that the way the weather affects you is a lot more subtle than that. And we aren’t just talking about rain vs sunshine – there are other factors as well. Read on to learn more about how climate change impacts the way you feel and what you can do to cope with these feelings when they arise.
Climate Change May Be Causing Your Bad Days
Climate change does not just impact the temperatures and levels of sunlight we experience. It can also have an impact on the amount of pollen and other allergens in the air, the number of clouds and precipitation, and the strength and direction of the wind. All of these can have an impact on your mood, energy, and sleep.
Since they are also impacted by climate change, they may also be causing you to feel more tired and not be able to concentrate as well. There is also a chance that you are noticing how extreme the weather is becoming. This can lead to increased mood issues and sleep problems. If you are noticing that the weather is changing more than usual, you may be noticing one of the following.
It’s Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better
The worst of climate change is still yet to come. By the year 2030, researchers expect that temperatures will rise another 2 degrees Fahrenheit. The worst of the changes will happen between 2030 and 2040. During this time, you can expect the weather to become much more extreme. You can also expect precipitation to increase, and you can expect there to be more extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
You can expect the weather to become much more unpredictable as well. The amount of time between extreme weather events is expected to increase. This means that you can expect there to be fewer sudden shifts in the weather, but you can also expect the extreme shifts to be more significant when they do happen.
Changes in Weather May Cause Physical Discomfort
Some weather changes can cause physical discomfort, and this can lead to mood issues. When it’s incredibly hot outside, you may find that you are more irritable and anxious than usual. When it’s incredibly cold outside, you may find that you are much more lethargic and tired than normal. Extremely hot and cold temperatures can also cause sleep issues as well.
If you find that the weather is causing physical discomfort, there are a few things you can do to help manage it. The easiest thing you can do is to protect yourself from the weather. This means wearing the right clothing for the weather (more on that below). It also means finding a good place to relax during the times of day when the weather is particularly extreme.
Clouds, Rain, and Fog Can Trigger Depression and Anxiety
Clouds, rain, and fog can trigger depression and anxiety in some people. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and it is the result of the way these weather patterns affect the levels of sunlight in your environment. It is believed that this is caused by a lack of sunlight stimulating the pineal gland, which leads to a lack of serotonin in the brain.
SAD is particularly common in the winter months because of the way that the weather affects sunlight. If you find that you are feeling more depressed or anxious during the winter months, you may be dealing with SAD. You should talk to a doctor about your symptoms to determine if this is what is happening to you. You can also take steps to help reduce the effects of SAD. The most important thing you can do is to expose yourself to more sunlight.
Increased UV Light Means You Need to Protect Yourself More
As we mentioned, the amount of sunlight is expected to increase as the climate gets warmer. This means that you need to be much more careful about protecting yourself from UV light. It’s one of the leading causes of skin cancer, and it can also cause skin spots and wrinkles.
If you aren’t already wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, you should start now. You should also check that your sunglasses are still protecting you from UV light. The lenses in your sunglasses will become less effective as they become scratched. Make sure that you are replacing your sunglasses every one or two years.
Conclusion
The weather can affect your mood and energy levels. This is particularly true if you live in a part of the world where the climate is extreme. It’s important to understand how the weather can affect you so that you can take steps to protect yourself from it when it becomes too extreme.
