Joanna Marie O. Santos
June 29, 2022

You might have observed that the weather affects your mood. You feel depressed and worn out on a dreary, rainy day, or pleased and more energized on a sunny day. Individual differences exist in how the weather affects our well-being.   It's not your imagination if you feel depressed amid a downpour; bad weather can actually have a detrimental impact on your mood. You become abruptly lethargic, have depressing thoughts, daydream, and desire to stay at home when it rains.   One survey found that about 9% of respondents identify as "rain haters." Along with the rain, Monday is another common thing that many people despise. For many people, Monday morning is a very stressful day as it is the weekday after the weekend when people go back to work or school. So, if it rained on Mondays, that would be a double kill for many.   Have a case of Rainy Monday Blues? Here’s why.  

Monday is the first day of the week

  We express the idea that Monday is the most despised day of the week in a variety of items – in cups, shirts, caps and other customizable products.   The idea that Monday is the most despised day of the week is expressed in a variety of items. After all, for millions of individuals, it typically entails returning to work and school—both places that many people detest. It signals the end of weekend enjoyment, leisure, and personal freedom. No wonder people hate Mondays.   According to Arthur A. Stone of the New York Times, there is substantial evidence we detest Mondays because we are supposed to hate Mondays. Arthur also cited that most individuals only consider Mondays to be less exciting than Fridays and that Monday is not necessarily the worst day of the week.   We don't actually hate Mondays. Everything is just in our heads.  

Rainy days can affect the Serotonin in our brains

    Most frequently, rainy days are believed to worsen sorrow and depression. This is because the lack of sunlight causes serotonin levels to fall. Because comfort foods and carbs increase serotonin levels, the drop in levels also contributes to cravings for those items. However, this is merely a short-term solution and is ineffective in treating depressive symptoms.  

Gloomy weather = gloomy individualsÂ

  Popular studies have long shown a connection between mood and the weather. The rain is tolerable to some of us. Others can't relax until they feel the sun's warm rays on their skin.   One study found that about 9% of respondents identify as "rain haters," who experience anger and decreased happiness on days when there is more precipitation. Our bodies create less serotonin, which impacts our mood, which explains the rainy-day sadness of wanting to sit on the couch and do nothing.  

Lack of sunlight can affect the mood

  A bad mood has been linked to a lack of sunlight. According to research, this is because our bodies are designed with an internal clock that is set to correspond with the rotation of night and day. We feel alert when the sun rises, and we probably feel sleepy when the sun sets.     Melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, is produced by your body as soon as the sun sets, whereas serotonin production decreases. A person's mood, hunger, and sleep are all controlled by the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin deficiency during the day might cause agitation and frustration.   Further, it is darker on rainy days naturally. As a result, this can confuse the serotonin signals in our brains. If darkness signals sleep, then a cloudy, rainy day usually signals to our bodies that it is time to rest.  

Seasonal Affective DisorderÂ

  SAD, also known as seasonal affective disorder, is depression that changes with the seasons. These circumstances can occur during the wet season, but they typically occur in the winter.   Consistently having a low mood, being irritable, having frequent guilt emotions, having trouble focusing, and losing interest in doing everyday tasks are all signs of SAD.   Though the precise origin of SAD is still unknown, several experts have linked it to a lack of sunlight as the length of the day grows shorter. According to these specialists, the body produces more melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep, when there is less sunshine present. When it rains, if you have SAD, you will feel lethargic and sluggish all day. However, if it is not given a medical diagnosis, sadness in the rain is not necessarily a sign of SAD.  

Here are 5 Ways to Make Days Better

  Rainy days and Mondays don’t have to be gloomy at all. In fact, there are ways how you can improve your days. That said, try these five ways to turn your frown upside down.  

Keep a self-care routine

  The key to helping us all cope with daily challenges more effectively is self-care. To the best of your ability, self-care entails taking action to address your needs for both physical and emotional well-being.   Self-care entails checking in with oneself, asking oneself how one is doing and what one's body needs. It helps some people cope with upsetting news articles, while others just use it to stay happy every day. Not everyone's definition of self-care is the same. Self-care habits will vary amongst individuals, and even your notion of self-care may evolve.  

Avoid overscheduling on Monday

  After a peaceful weekend, it's common to feel overburdened when you have a ton of meetings to attend. Avoid arranging important meetings or work on Monday whenever you can.     By making plans and not leaving unfinished duties for the following week, you may prevent worrying about a busy schedule.   Use time management tools to track your activities and make event scheduling easier if you're having trouble juggling everything.  

Keep a Journal to Track Your Feelings

  Maybe you kept a diary under your mattress when you were a teenager. It was a safe place to share your challenges and anxieties without fear of ridicule or retaliation. You must have felt relieved to put all of those emotions and thoughts on paper. The world appeared clearer.   Once you entered maturity, you might have stopped keeping a diary. However, the idea and its advantages still hold true. Today, it's known as journaling. Simply putting your thoughts and feelings into writing will help you comprehend them better. Keeping a journal can be an excellent option if you experience stress, despair, or anxiety. You may better manage your emotions and maintain better mental health.  

Treat Yourself

    According to psychotherapist and hypnotherapist Susan Hepburn, research has proven that when we treat ourselves, we feel comfortable, joyful, and indulged, which raises our self-esteem. "It helps to adjust your mentality, and it's truly surprising the difference a little treat can make on the happiness scale."  

Reevaluate Your Outlook Towards Mondays

  This Monday would be the ideal day for a refresh if your outlook needed some cheering up! Every Monday can serve as a fresh start for a positive attitude and a reminder to keep moving toward contentment.   It's a terrific idea to establish a fresh habit every Monday so that you can have a less hectic week. Pick something you can include into your daily routine after deciding to start your day by seeing the bright side of things.   ___   All of us experience Monday blues and rainy days. A happier, healthier life will result from learning how to deal with obstacles and go past them. Don't hesitate and stop waiting. Get the help you need to feel better.