Spending too much time indoors to avoid the cold weather can negatively impact our mental health.
The summer months are behind us, and the coolness of the fall season is here.
Moreover, what are the reasons behind this shift in mood, and what can we do to combat it?
Why does cold weather affect our mood?
The weather can significantly impact our day-to-day moods. Dr. Chun Tang, GP and medical director at Pall Mall Medical, explains that sunshine boosts our serotonin levels, lifting our mood and making us feel more positive. On the other hand, gloomy, grey skies and cold temperatures can leave us feeling sluggish or down. Our bodies naturally respond to light and warmth, which affects our energy levels. As the days get shorter and there’s less sunlight, our bodies produce more melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. The decrease in daylight can also affect serotonin, leading to tiredness and sluggishness during the autumn and winter months.
“Sunshine boosts serotonin levels, lifting mood and making us feel more positive,” says Dr. Chun. Conversely, gloomy, grey skies and cold temperatures can “leave us feeling sluggish or even down. Feeling less energetic or motivated is expected when the weather is terrible, as our bodies naturally respond to light and warmth.
People tend to feel more tired and have less energy during the colder months.
“As the days get shorter and there’s less sunlight, our bodies produce more melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy,” highlights Tang. “At the same time, the decrease in daylight can affect serotonin, which helps keep our energy levels up.
“This combination can lead to us feeling tired and sluggish more often during the autumn and winter. It’s like our bodies are naturally slowing down in response to the shorter days – we go into a mini human hibernation.”
However, hibernating can often cause us to isolate ourselves from our loved ones, which can harm our mental health.
“Cold weather often brings the urge to stay indoors, resulting in people becoming withdrawn and spending less time with others,” explains Lisa Gunn, mental health prevention lead at Nuffield Health. While this may feel more natural during colder, darker, and wetter periods, social connections are critical to our overall well-being. A lack of human connection can negatively impact our mental and physical health.”
Our confidence levels may also dip during periods of cold weather.
“The shorter days and less sunlight can affect how we feel. We’ll feel more tired, less motivated, and even less social,” explains Tang. Seasonal changes can also impact our appearance. For example, dry skin or fewer outdoor opportunities might make us more self-conscious.”
If you have been persistently experiencing low mood and depression symptoms, contact your GP, as you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
“SAD is a subtype of depression that’s experienced seasonally,” explains Gunn. “It usually manifests and goes away with changes in the weather, daylight hours, and temperature.
“As the weather begins to change, people with SAD may feel sluggish and low without explanation. People can experience winter blues in various degrees, ranging from feeling a bit down to finding it very difficult to function, which may lead to taking time off work.”
Tips on how to get out of a cold-weather funk:
Move your body
“Regular exercise can have huge benefits for our mental health, with studies showing the positive effects on anxiety,” explains Simon Davies, walking therapist and registered counselor at Living Well. This is because exercise causes our bodies to release endorphins—the natural chemicals that elevate our moods and reduce stress.
Get outside
Take a brisk morning walk or carve out some time in the afternoon to sit in your garden.
Fitness First’s trainer advises dressing warmly and stepping out for an energy boost in cold weather.
Make social plans
Arrange to catch up with your friends over a coffee.
“Save time for quality interactions,” advises Gunn. Having many ” full relationships and being able to” give to others “can greatly improve our resilience and also cause our bodies to release feel-good chemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine.”
Try meditation
Additionally, a short mindfulness meditation focusing on your breath and clearing your thoughts can help improve mental clarity and boost your overall mood,” says Banks.
