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There are some really funny memes on social media right now, about the rain we have had in the Ar-La-Tex recently. Like you, I am rather worn out on it. Don’t get me wrong. I actually like rain. Rain is good for our crops, our livestock, and our future flowers and plants this summer. But I only like rain so much, you know?
According to the American Public Health Association, rainy days really CAN get us down.
If you feel down during a downpour, it’s not your imagination: Bad weather can indeed have a negative effect on your emotions. According to one study, nearly 9 percent of people fall into the “rain haters” category.
Webmd weighs in on this, as well.
Tecsia Evans, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco (where it rains 67 days a year, on average), says, “When it gets dark and dreary out, some people definitely have more susceptibility to feeling lonely or down. It’s pretty common to see a change in mood — such as feeling sadness or lower self-esteem — when it’s rainy outside.”
So, what do we do? Psychologists suggest that we play music we like, and turn the lights on …because this helps build serotonin in the brain. Oh, and even if it’s pouring down outside as it has been all of this week, we should cover our head and go out in it anyway. Why? Because we can still get some UV rays, which will boost our mood and make us feel better.
Also, do you have a knee or a back, or some joints that predict cold, wet weather? According to Psychology Today, this is fairly common. Some of the reasons have to do with being less active during wet weather, blood flow, arthritis flares, hormones, the immune system, even Seasonal Depression, which can cause chronic pain.
The best words of advice I can give you are: Wait 12 to 24 hours. Our local weather WILL change.