How Your Brain Changes with the Seasons
Whether we like it or not, the weather has a profound impact on many aspects of our everyday lives. Alterations in conditions can evoke a variety of psychological and physiological responses because, as humans, we are inherently connected to our environment.
Research suggests that seasonal shifts can affect our cognitive function, mood, and overall our emotional well-being. So today, we’re going to explore the relationship between the weather and the health of our brains, and discuss some simple and helpful ways to soften its negative impacts.
The psychological response
Dramatic changes in the weather, such as heat waves or heavy storms, can cause symptoms of anxiety and stress. Extreme weather events can even stimulate the ‘fight or flight’ response within the brain. On a lighter note, the arrival of spring may encourage feelings of positivity and renewal, benefitting our mental health.
Sunlight and the brain
One of the most well-known impacts of the weather on our brains is its ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in cognitive function and emotional regulation, and those in darker climates can experience the depressive symptoms associated with SAD, or seasonal affective disorder.
Keeping active
We’ve previously covered the importance of physical activity in promoting optimal mental health and brain health. Releasing feel-good endorphins and reducing the levels of stress hormones, exercise is an invaluable tool. However, changes in weather have been shown to impact activity levels, with colder temperatures often encouraging more sedentary behavior and brighter days making us feel like getting outside for a jog in the sunshine.
Sleep cycles
The body’s internal clock, known as our circadian rhythm, is regulated by various factors including levels of sunlight and temperature changes. We know that great quality sleep is essential for a high-functioning brain and emotional well-being, however, extremes of cold, hot, dark, and light can all affect our delicate sleep-wake cycles.
What can we do?
The first step to ease the potential ill effects of the weather on the health of our brains is to recognize its impact. Then, we can start to implement lifestyle changes that help to mitigate these effects, for instance:
If you suffer from SAD, try a SAD lamp and make sure you get adequate sunlight throughout the day.
In darker seasons, consider supplementing with vitamin D after consulting with a health professional.
Try to stay active throughout the year: find activities that you can do inside and outside that keep you motivated all year round.
Make sure you keep a regular bedtime and wake up at a similar time each day, no matter the season. Consider light-blocking blinds or curtains, and keep the temperature of your bedroom between around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
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