Does the Rain Make You Lonely?

Created By RISC | 3 months ago

Last modified date : 3 months ago

Ever wondered why you feel lonelier during the rainy season?​ Let's find out…

​If you feel sad and lonely when it rains, or have less energy, don’t worry. It’s not just your imagination. The weather can greatly impact how we feel. But it mightn’t affect us all or every time it rains. Some of us get seasonal affective disorder (SAD).​

A lot of research is underway into weather and mood. Sunshine boosts the creation of serotonin, which dips with cloudy skies and winter weather.​

Serotonin has a vital impact on our emotions, feelings, and behavior. The hormone helps us feel happy and relaxed. High levels help us concentrate and enjoy stable moods. Lower levels can make us touchy, anxious, sad, angry, unable to concentrate, remember, or take decisions.

In the long term, low serotonin raises the risk of emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and phobias. ​

If you look at the rain and feel lonely, get active. You could clean your home, exercise, or go outside for natural light. Eat some tasty and healthy foods like meat, milk, eggs, soybeans, salmon, tuna, and dark chocolate. You’ll boost your serotonin levels and feel better when it rains… and when it doesn’t!​

Story by: Kotchakorn Rattanama, Biodiversity Researcher, RISC ​

References:​
(1) Mental Health Knowledge Base, Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health​
(2) Baylor Scott,(2019), Rainy day blues? "8 ways to boost your mood when the sun is away. Retrieved 9 July 2024, from https://www.bswhealth.com/blog/rainy-day-blues-ways-to-boost-your-mood-when-the -sun-is-away​