PHOENIX — If you feel down during a downpour, you’re not alone and it’s not your imagination.
Arizona has gotten a lot of rain this week, but not everyone is jumping for joy. Health experts say bad weather can harm your mental health. Some people even fall into the category of “rain haters.”
"Rain haters" say they feel angrier and less happy on days donned with dark clouds and rain. Psychologists say the lack of sunshine and ominous skies will make many people more susceptible to feeling lonely or depressed. Even thoughts of lower self-esteem seem to skyrocket when the skies are filled with storm clouds.
So, what can you do to elevate your mood? Best bet, boost your serotonin which has a direct connection to your mental responses.
Light is a quick fix: turning on the lights in your home will give the feeling of less gloom. In Alaska — where they don’t see signs of light for months — many residents use a light box every morning to help with seasonal affective disorder.
SAD happens in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, hopelessness and social withdrawal.
Experts say another remedy to feeling gloomy is to take part in activities that bring you joy. Watching a funny movie, playing a silly game, going to the gym, doing arts and crafts, listening to positive music or simply reading a feel-good book are all ways the experts say to beat the doldrums of a dreary day.
Staying isolated will only further feelings of being down, experts say. If there’s no one to visit or invite over, even going to a shopping mall or coffee shop can give you that interaction to help your mood.
One side note, productivity will also take a downturn for some people during non-sunny days. Studies have shown students in college will score lower on exams. However, on the polar opposite side, when temps are in the mid-80s and sunshine is in abundance, students seem to miss more classes than on inclement weather days. (Maybe mood can’t be blamed for the last one, seems more like a situation of FOMO.)
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Arizona Weather
Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Here is a compilation of videos from various storms across the Grand Canyon state.
