For some, the weather outside can cause them to feel more stressed than they normally would. They might feel as though they can’t get motivated and they feel that everything which is problematic is ten times more stressful than it might be on a sunny day. If you are one of these people, you are not alone. There are medical conditions which might be causing you to be more sensitive to stress when the weather is poor. But there are many ways in which you can correct these conditions and states of being. You need not feel stressed each time you read the weather report.
Are You SAD or Stressed?
SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is a condition in which the amount of sunlight outside can affect one’s mood. People with these conditions will begin to feel depressed and more stressed when the days are shorter. They might begin to eat more or to sleep more in response to the stress of the sunlight changes. Only when the days become longer do they get relief for their misery, which causes the winter months to be painful. However, there is hope for those with SAD as scientists have found that adding light to one’s environment can help, as can more trips outside in the light which is available.
Changing Your Environment Helps Reduce Stress
The key to stopping the process of SAD or related mood changes is to head outside as often as you can. While the sun might not be out, there is still ambient light (which is coming from the sun) which will brighten the day time hours. Try to get outside at least fifteen minutes a day to remind yourself of the light and to begin to quell the stress you may be feeling. You will also want to add natural sunlight lamps to your home to help you brighten up the space and improve your mood. You can also try to get up with the sunlight so that you can have as much light as possible during your day.
Getting Out of Town Lowers Stress
It can also help your mood and your stress level to head for a sunnier destination during the dreary winter months. You don’t even have to head somewhere warm in order to feel relief. Going on a weekend trip to a sunnier location can help you to reset your internal clock and allow you to create a sunnier disposition.
While the weather might not seem to have an impact on your stress level, for some, this is something they have to deal with on a seasonal basis. No matter what your response to the weather might be, seeking sunnier days is never a bad idea.
