Forecasting Feelings

The impact of weather on emotional wellbeing

Smile whatever the weather

Dear Friend

How are you felling today? How is the weather in your part of the world?

Dare I comment about the weather today?!

What is it about the British people, or even Welsh people (I am 100% Welsh), that we feel obliged to comment about the weather?

It's a conversation starter that’s for sure, but are we ever satisfied with the weather here in the UK? It’s either too cold, too wet, too hot, too dry, never quite perfect.

What's it all about?

Do you find yourself commenting about the weather on a daily basis?

And does the weather affect your mood?

It certainly affects mine. To be honest I probably do suffer from a mild case of SAD, after all, in my humble opinion “sunshine is life!”

So as it’s now 27th April, I wonder how many days of sunshine we’ve actually enjoyed since 1st January? Answers on a postcard please! I bet it’s less than 21 days!

I noticed recently that every morning when I take my youngest to school, the first thing I’ll comment on, is the weather. When I check in on my parents, I ask them “is the sun shining with you today?”. When I leave my friends voice notes, I automatically comment on how the weather is in my part of the world.

Is this normal behaviour? Do you think I’m a little bit obsessed with the weather these days? What about you? Does the British weather bother you at all?

I'm going to try and not comment on the weather for the next 7 days and simply appreciate it in all its forms, come rain or shine. To be honest, one does appreciate the rain and the storms, especially here in Wales, because without it, I wouldn't be able to experience the wonders of the “Green, Green grass of Wales”.

This is what the Met Office has to say about our weather across the month of March. Overall March was unsettled, wet and dull. The month began colder than normal across the UK, with temperatures across the UK cooler than average and southern areas recording notably low daily minimum temperatures (for instance, Benson in Oxfordshire recorded - 4.6°C on the 3rd). Snow fell on the 2nd across parts of south west England, causing some travel disruption - Met Office Climate Summary 2024

Before writing this post, I did a little google on how the weather in the UK affects our mood. The research suggests that changes in weather conditions, such as sunlight exposure, temperature and precipitation, can influence our emotional state and overall wellbeing.

Sunlight and Vitamin D - exposure to sunshine helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood.  Lack of sunlight, especially during darker winter months, can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), characterised by symptoms of depression, low energy and irritability.

Temperature - extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can affect our comfort levels and mood.  Heatwaves lead to feelings of lethargy, irritability and dehydration, while cold weather can trigger feelings of isolation, discomfort and even depression.

Rain and cloudiness - gloomy weather, such as overcast skies and rainy days can contribute to feelings of sadness, melancholy and fatigue.  The lack of sunlight during these periods may disrupt our circadian rhythms and serotonin levels, affecting mood regulation.

Seasonal changes - the transition between seasons, particularly from winter to spring or summer to autumn, can impact mood and energy levels.  Seasonal shifts may bring about feelings of renewal and optimism, or conversely apprehension and nostalgia.

Personal preferences - individual preferences and experiences with weather can also influence mood.  For example, someone who enjoys outdoor activities may feel happier on sunny days while others may find comfort in cosy indoor settings during stormy weather.

All I wish for, is that the British weather would stick to the seasonal plan.  I adore the start and end of each season and I always seem ready for embrace each one.  These days our seasons seem all over the place, no wonder my moods are so erratic, or am I in denial that as a 49’er, it’s actually my hormones that are the cause of my changeable moods not the British weather. 

If like me you’re feeling a little discombobulated due to the weather, I’ve curated a few therapeutic journaling prompts to try and help regulate your mood…

1. Reflect on your daily interactions, how often do you find yourself commenting on the weather in conversations? What emotions or thoughts does it evoke?

2. Describe your ideal weather conditions, what does your perfect weather day look like and how does it make you feel?

3. Consider the beauty in all weather types. Think about a weather condition that you usually dislike, can you find something positive or beautiful about it?

4.  Explore the symbolism of weather in your life, what do they represent to you personally?

5. Connect with nature, spend time outdoors, regardless of the weather and notice how being in nature affects your mood and overall wellbeing.

Until the next time 

Take care and stay safe xx

What’s On 'with ease'

“Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat” with ease & Emma Gannon - only 2 bedrooms left available.  16th-18th November 2024

“Rage on a Page” - next series now open for bookings, I’m looking to work with 4 women and there are 2 spaces left available. June 2024

“Doing Hard Things” with ease & Stacey Heale - only 2 spaces available. There is a bursary place being awarded to one lucky guest, application available upon request.

About me… I’m Tanya Lynch, a mother, a ridgeback owner and the founder of Ease Retreats.  I love what I do, collaborating with authors and creatives, hosting retreats in beautiful venues across the UK.  I’m also a therapeutic journaling coach and through my program Rage on a Page, I help midlife women channel their emotions into something more positive and creative in less than 60 days. Each Thursday I host an online journaling club called Journal with Ease and it’s free for paid subscribers to attend. If you have any questions about the benefits of therapeutic journaling, please reach out and connect. I’m usually on a beach walking the dogs, hosting retreats or hanging out here on Substack.