5 Reasons This Weather is Crushing My Mood

Here in the tri-state area, I feel like we haven’t seen the sun in weeks.
The rain and gloom is on the top of everyone’s mind and it is starting to get to me. Why?

1. I can’t wear sunglasses and at almost 46, I really, really need them, especially in the morning, to hide the wrinkles and swollen eyes.

2. It is harder to send the kids outside, and sending them outside to play is one of my favorite activities.

3. I can’t put the winter clothes away where they belong, and I’m caught in a dilemma — in between boots and flip flops, I struggle with footwear.

4. My house looks dank and dreary and the lighting is making me feel like I need to redecorate. Madelyn’s starting college this year, I cannot afford to redecorate.

5. MEDICALLY, it makes sense the dreary weather affects our mood:

1. The low barometric pressure on a rainy day can trigger headaches, especially in migraine sufferers.
2. Lack of sunlight can affect our neurotransmitters, which for most people translates into a sad or bad mood.
3. Cold temperatures trigger an instinct to hibernate, making us feel lazy and unmotivated.
4. The neurotransmitter serotonin drops on dark days, causing us to crave carbohydrates, in my case, usually simple sugars.
5. The low barometric pressure and the cold temperatures can affect the blood flow in our bodies, resulting in stiff and painful joints.

Basically, this bad weather can cause anything from too much time with my kids to sore knees. So, if you were wondering why you feel bad today (as I write this, it is misting and cold outside) at least you know it isn’t all in your head, and we are in the same boat. Misery, after all, loves company.

Want to feel better? Check out these SIX quick fixes.