Is the Weather Bringing You Down? 6 Ways to Beat the Winter Slump

I’m someone who thrives when the sun is wide awake, but when it’s shielded by clouds and the sky is overcast, I feel every ounce of my energy dissipate. It’s just not fair. However, I know that I’m not the only one.

There is a psychological phenomenon where your mood matches the weather: it’s called “pathetic fallacy”. Have you ever noticed how everyone is so happy and smiley when it’s warm and bright? Then I’m sure you’ve also noticed that when it’s grey and cold, everyone’s pretty miserable. Although, this is not to be confused with SAD (a more permanent condition).

Unfortunately, the weather is highly unstable, and we can’t use it as an excuse to stop working and start being lazy. So, now that we’re approaching the dark, winter months, it’s time to be proactive. Here are a few tips you need to prevent the slump, so you can continue being as motivated and upbeat as possible.

Smile — and really mean it

I know this sounds like the hardest thing to do when you’re feeling down in the dumps, but smiling reinforces positive feedback in the brain. The “Duchenne” smile — when it’s completely genuine and the corners of your eyes and mouth lift — triggers the release of happy chemicals.

If you’re someone who matches the mood to your surroundings, then try your best to just smile. Smiling is also contagious, so people will naturally copy the action, and this quite literally spreads joy around the room. There are worse things you could catch…

However, you could be a highly sensitive person or an empath, and therefore might need more assistance if you’re easily affected by your environment.

Stop complaining

The first thing we want to do when we see rain or darkness is complain. Well, mean words doth butter no parsnips! So rather than start your 10-minute TED talk on why bad weather makes you moody, how about putting that energy into your work? Get creative by getting angry, and channel all of that frustration into getting stuff done.

Ranting and moaning in itself causes you to be more negative. And a bad mood means a bad work ethic. You know how the words you say to yourself are important for self-love and everything? Well, the same rule applies when you’re talking about your state of mind or body.

For example, when you say “I’m tired” or “the weather is making me miserable”, you start to reflect that statement in your behaviour. You may start frowning, yawning or even crying! So you quite literally induce yourself into a state of distress. Instead, try finding things you are grateful for or commenting on the positives of the situation, however big or small, like “thank God, I have an umbrella!”

Get chatty and forget

When we’re in a bad mood, sometimes we worry about the negative effects this will have on others. In order to avoid a downward spiral of negativity, we might avoid having a conversation — or just grunt at people in passing.

Although you think this is helping, it’s really not; you basically represent the rain cloud. So instead, try socialising, share a joke with someone and comment on anything other than the weather. This will take your mind off what’s happening outside and keep you grounded into the present. You’ll be able to focus more on what you need to do; and by doing things or completing tasks, you trigger the release of Dr Dopamine, the happy chemical.

Accept the gloom

Just like you accept your down days, you need to accept bleak weather. You physically cannot control the weather, and no amount of wishing or touching wood will change it — trust me, I’ve tried. Instead, learn to just go with it.

In fact, even on the most horrible days, you can note something positive; the sound of rain, jumping in puddles, pretty lights in the fog — it’s quite marvellous. I personally think listening to the rain pitter-patter is therapeutic in its own right. Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like fixing yourself a cup of tea and listening to the raindrops, feeling all smug because you’re cosy and warm.

Dress to de-stress

Fun fact: did you know that wearing bright or pastel colours cheer you up and the people who see you? So instead of reaching for the grey jumper, seek out the Hawaiian beach top.

I’m sure you have your favourite outfit that you wear to feel your best, whether that’s going on a date or to a fancy work meeting. In that same vein, choose clothes that make you feel happy.

Perhaps you have a woolly jumper or a comfy pair of joggers that spread tingles of joy throughout your body. Opt for those wardrobe items that represent good vibes to you. This will help you relax, stay mindful and in the zone so you can work hard in style.

Do something fun

Even on the days where you feel so utterly hopeless and sorry for yourself, you can do something fun to change this. These are any activities that revive your soul and spirit; taking this time out to nourish yourself and invest some energy into your self-care, will, in turn, make you more productive.

Just because it’s raining, dark and cold doesn’t mean you need to stop doing what you love. You can wrap up and go for a walk (wear waterproof clothing), read, dance, decorate — whatever you choose — and really throw yourself into it. Studies show that spending 5 minutes on enjoyable leisure activities improves wellbeing and induces feelings of happiness, and the happiest people are often the most successful.

After every storm lies a rainbow…

Remember that nothing lasts forever — especially the weather. So whilst we are experiencing darker days and less light, there are always small things you can control to remain bright. Improving your mood starts with doing the complete opposite of what you want to do; trick yourself into a positive mindset. This is much more beneficial for your wellbeing and motivation than reflecting the storm outside.

Written by Naida Allen
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