Some evidence suggests that rainy days can make you feel down and that if you are already experiencing depression, a rainy day can be even more of a struggle. There are many correlational studies that suggest rain also makes some people feel more negative about things.
Rain can make some people experience more pain and pain can make you feel down. Reduced atmospheric pressure on rainy days causes a change in the pressure on you. Fluids in your body move from blood vessels to tissues and put pressure on nerves and joints. If you have pre existing conditions, such as arthritis, your knees really do get stiffer and hurt more when it rains. There is also considerable evidence to suggest that rainy days produce more migraines.
Some studies maintain that it’s not the rainy day, it’s the lack of sunshine that makes you feel down. No sunshine means that your body is not producing as much vitamin D which in turn affects seratonin production. Low levels of vitamin D and seratonin mean an increase in feelings of sadness, or for some, symptoms of depression.
April showers may bring May flowers, but if it’s been raining for days it can be hard to see the bright side of things. Gene Kelly seemed very happy Singing in the Rain. You don’t have to actually sing to experience a lift in mood on a rainy day. Just getting outside will help. Even when it’s raining there is still some UV light getting through and this can help stimulate serotonin production.
Inside activities can also help the rainy day blues. Instead of taking a nap, try doing something that you enjoy, like listening to upbeat music, watching a funny movie, reading a good book or doing arts and crafts. The sage advice of getting up when you’re feeling down also applies. Getting up and getting active means exercising. Exercise produces endorphins, one of the “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain. Find an exercise video on YouTube. Play That Funky Music or some Uptown Funk and give your dance moves a workout. If you have a stationary bike or a treadmill, hop on and put a few miles on the odometer.
Get up, get out, get active. You might not turn your Rainy Days & Mondays into Singing in the Rain, but you are certain to feel better.
🔍To return to the main page, please click on the banner at the top of this page or click on this link: Cupola Corner Blog
