Rain, Rain Go Away...

The soft pitter patter of rain gently aroused me from my sleep this morning. I laid there for a few moments listening to the soothing sound before the alarmed buzzed in my ear. As I climbed out of bed, the necessary adjustments I would need to make for the day began streaming through my mind...no sandals, scrunch my hair, wear a jacket with a hood, find my umbrella… all of these modifications because of the rain. But my hairstyle and clothes weren’t the only things affected by the rain- my mood was affected as well. The gray clouds did not excite me, and knowing I would be wet and cold from the elements did not encourage me to have a good outlook on the day.

But does the weather actually have an impact on one’s mood or emotions? Some studies would suggest yes, others would suggest no. A study conducted in Germany found that specific elements in the weather such as temperature, wind, sunlight, precipitation, air pressure, and the length of the day, did not have a significant impact on positive moods, though temperature, wind, and sunlight appeared to influence how tired the participants were. While responses from this study were spread across such a broad spectrum, researchers could not deny the fact that there may be a correlation between weather and mood for some people.

Others would argue there is no correlation and that it is up to the individual how they chose to feel on a particular day, regardless of the weather. While each of us has the ability to control our emotions and our dispositions, I believe there is a correlation (not causation) between the weather and a person’s mood. For example, another study of college students found that there was a significant link between the weather and their moods. There was a strong, positive correlation between optimism scores and sunlight hours. It also suggested an association between rising temperatures and lower anxiety scores. This supports the assumption of a link between disposition and the elements.   

Another example of how weather can influence a change in mood can be easily seen in those who have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Individuals with this disorder experience depression-like symptoms due to the lack of production of serotonin in the fall and throughout the winter months. Serotonin is a hormone produced when there is sunlight exposure and can help combat depression. This is why in the winter months when there are fewer daylight hours, the serotonin production decreases, thus affecting an individual’s mood.

There are many studies that have been done that show significant or insignificant correlations between the weather and one’s mood. While the evidence can go either way, there is definitely some sort of connection between the two. For some, the correlation may be more apparent than in others. So next time you find yourself in either a pleasant or gloomy mood, take note of the weather. I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether or not the weather played a part in your disposition!